A  TRUE  ROMANCE 

REVEALED  BY  A  BAG  OF  OLD  LETTERS 

Being  the  Love,  Courtship 
and  Marriage 

of 
MARK  ANTHONY 

and 
NANNIE  L.    MARSH  ANTHONY 

In  the  Palmy  Days  of  Sceamboating  in  the  Middle 

West    in    the    Fifties.      A   Real    Romance 

Given  in  Letters  of  Living  Characters 

Edited  by  their  Son 

Harold  Gordon  Anthony 


THE 


press 


PUBLISHERS 

114 

FIFTH   AVENUE 
LONDON          NEW  YORK        MONTREAL 


tA 


Copyright,  1901, 

by 
THE 

Bbbes  press. 


To 

the  memory  of 

my  Father  and  Mother 

to  whom  I  owe  all  that  I  am  as  a  man, 

morally,  intellectually,  religiously, 

whose  beautiful  lives  of  love   and  devotion 

set  the  standard  of  excellence 

to  which  their  children 

seek  to  emulate 


21341G7 


PREFACE 

IN  publishing  the  following  letters  of  the 
romance  of  my  father  and  mother,  I  de- 
sire to  reveal  and  show  that  the  greatest 
source  of  happiness  in  this  world  is  found  in 
the  love  and  devotion  of  man  and  woman;  in 
every  sphere  of  life  the  pure  love  that  wins  and 
carries  through  life  a  pure  constancy  that 
neither  time  nor  circumstance  could  dim  its 
lustre.  The  letters  themselves  bring  out  a  rich 
devotion  that  I  hope  may  help  others  whose 
lines  fall  in  like  manner  as  the  authors  of  this 
romance,  that  they  may  give  to  others  an  in- 
spiration in  all  their  love  affairs  to  live  pure, 
devoted  lives  to  one  another,  and  in  a  measure 
learn  what  is  pure  and  noble  in  the  relation- 
ships of  lovers,  man  and  wife,  father  and 
mother.  To  this  end  I  give  these  letters,  a  rich 
legacy,  as  my  mother  writing  to  father  in  after 
years  says: 


vi  Preface 

I  have  been  conning  over  all  your  letters.  I 
have  been  wanting  some  time  to  arrange  them 
and  gather  together  all  from  the  first  until  now. 
I  was  kept  busy  from  five  o'clock  in  the  eve- 
ning until  half  past  eleven  last  night ;  lived  over 
old  times,  found  all  endearing  names  that  could 
be  given  to  so  unworthy  a  mortal  as  myself.  I 
prize  them  above  all  things  I  have,  and  they 
shall  be  a  legacy  to  our  children;  we  will  look 
over  them  together  in  a  convenient  time. 

Also  in  later  years  wrote : 

Our  love  has  stood  the  test  of  years  and 
storms  of  life  that  time  nor  circumstances  can- 
not alter.  As  there  has  been  a  great  deal  writ- 
ten of  late  on  the  subject  of  love  and  matri- 
mony, and  the  real  love  letters  of  men  and 
women  who  stand  high  in  the  public  mind,  we 
have  in  these  letters,  the  outpourings  of  the 
heart  and  soul  of  two  beings  who  had  a  high 
sense  of  the  honor  of  the  sacred  relationships 
of  life,  which,  carried  out  from  a  proper  stand- 
ard, make  the  sum  of  life  a  rich  whole,  that 
smoothes  the  rugged  roads,  and  paves  the  way 
to  a  rich  heritage,  that  bring  blessing  and  pros- 


Preface  vii 

perity  to  its  posterity.  The  richest  legacy  any 
parent  can  bequeath  to  their  offspring  is  the 
moral  and  religious  atmosphere  of  the  home 
circle,  where  mother  and  father  set  the  stand- 
ard; the  associations  of  early  life,  the  books 
and  companions,  set  the  standard  for  weal  or 
woe  of  the  future  life.  While  many  break  out 
of  their  environments  of  early  years,  the  safe- 
guard of  our  children  lies  in  the  care  and  edu- 
cation of  early  years. 


A  TRUE  ROMANCE 

IN  the  year  1814  Samuel  Marsh  came  from 
New  York  to  Pittsburg,  Perm.,  with  his 
family;  there  he  descended  the  Ohio 
river,  in  the  only  vessel  known  to  the  Ohio  in 
the  beginning  of  the  century — a  flatboat.  He 
located  at  a  point  on  the  Ohio  river  now  known 
as  New  Albany,  Ind.,  just  below  Louisville, 
Ky.  He  located  pefTnanently  and  lived  as 
pioneers  did  in  those  days.  The  State  of 
Indiana  was  yet  a  territory  with  about  50,000 
inhabitants.  Thomas  Posey  was  Governor, 
Corydon  was  the  State  capital.  Mr.  Marsh 
built  the  first  brick  chimney,  and  put  in  the  first 
glass  windows  in  the  history  of  the  city.  The 
Marshes  were  of  the  celebrated  Marsh  family 
whose  line  can  be  exactly  traced  for  a  period  of 
two  and  a  half  centuries,  and  through  seven, 
eight  or  nine  generations.  "The  Marsh  Family 
Association  of  America  "  held  their  last  annual 
gathering  at  Springfield,  Mass.,  in  1895,  at- 


2  A  True  Romance 

tended  by  persons  from  the  Canadian  Domin- 
ion, and  various  parts  of  the  United  States. 
Colonel  Lucius  B.  Marsh,  of  Boston,  Mass., 
President.  Ode  No.  3,  by  Rev.  D.  W.  Marsh, 
D.D.,  of  Amherst,  Mass.,  with  numerous  other 
odes,  are  sung  at  the  family  gathering. 

ODE  3. 

TUNE — AMERICA. 
1663-1895. 

From  England's  sea-girt  land 
By  God's  high  guiding  hand, 

Our  fathers  sailed. 
They  laughed  at  ocean's  roar, 
They  found  a  broader  shore, 
And  here  forever  more 

They  freedom  hailed. 

John  Marsh  was  one  of  them, 
Those  ancient,  stalwart  men, 

Their  God  their  King; 
His  Bible  was  his  chart, 
With  wisest  master-art 
He  put  it  in  his  heart, 

More  light  to  bring. 


A  True  Romance 

And  George  of  Hingham  came, 
And  many  a  queenly  dame, 

And  lovely  bride: 
And  Marshes  as  the  leaves, 
Or  golden  harvest  sheaves, 
Or  drops  that  drip  from  eaves, 

They  multiplied. 

The  women  toiled  and  spun, 
A  daily  task  was  done 

By  girl  and  son. 
The  Marshes  grew  and  spread, 
The  Marshes  loved  and  wed, 
The  Marshes  fought  and  bled, 

And  freedom  won. 

Now  Marsh  be  merriest  man, 
That  ever  walked  or  ran; 

Or  kissed  a  bride; 
Let  Marshes  none  be  queer 
And  none  be  known  to  leer 
No  Marsh  must  ever  sneer, 

Nor  ever  chide. 

In  truth  we  live  and  die 
As  others  far  and  nigh, 
For  Marsh  is  man. 


4  A  True  Romance 

The  Marshes  come  and  go 
As  come  the  rain  and  snow, 
The  Marshes  ebb  and  flow, 
A  little  span. 

We  boast  no  nobler  name 
No  bluer  blood  we  claim 

Lest  pride  should  fall  ; 
Yet  love  we  this  our  tree 
And  come  from  land  and  sea, 
One  gathering  here  to  be 

And  honor  all. 

Two  hundred  years  have  taught 
That  every  Marshman  ought 

To  live  for  right, 
To  spend  his  little  span 
In  doing  what  he  can 
To  serve  his  God  and  man 

With  all  his  might. 

Miss  Nannie  L.  Marsh  was  a  daughter  of 
Edwin  Marsh,  who  was  a  great  grandson  of 
Thomas  Seabrook,  Major  First  Regiment, 
Monmouth  County,  N.  J.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
of  Colonel  Read's  Battalion,  State  troops, 


A  True  Romance  5 

whose  son  Stephen  was  private  in  the  Light- 
horse.  The  battle  of  Monmouth,  N.  J.,  was 
partially  fought  on  the  Seabrook  farm  and 
around  the  house  and  in  the  yard.  Stephen 
the  son,  was  carrying  a  despatch  from  General 
Green  to  General  Washington,  and  told  his 
folks  they  had  better  vacate  as  the  British  were 
coming  and  the  battle  was  to  be  fought  near 
by. 

Major  Thomas  Seabrook  represented  the 
New  Jersey  Assembly  in  1780-1781.  From 
Year  Book  of  Indiana  Society,  Sons  of  the 
American  Revolution. 

Edwin  Marsh,  a  son  of  Samuel  Marsh,  was 
a  prosperous  coal  merchant  at  New  Albany, 
Ind.,  was  considered  well  to  do.  He  built  the 
then  finest  three-story  brick  mansion  in  New 
Albany,  on  the  river  bank,  with  brown  stone 
trimmings  and  grand  stone  steps,  ending  with 
fluted  columns  on  the  top  landing,  iron  rail 
and  banisters,  with  spacious  yard,  noted  for  its 
fine  moss  beds  and  beautiful  roses,  and  fancy 
iron  fence  running  along  the  front.  Miss 
Marsh,  being  the  only  daughter,  had  all  she 
desired  of  this  world's  goods,  was  idolized  and 
pandered  too.  At  the  age  of  twelve  years  her 


6  A  True  Romance 

mother  died.     She  was  put  into  the  custody  of 

her  aunt  Add —  VV d,  whose  husband  was 

a  prosperous  and  well  to  do  merchant.  She  at- 
tended Georgetown,  Ky.,  Female  Seminary,  a 
then  famous  seminary  and  boarding  school  of 
its  day,  where  all  the  elite  of  the  Southern  and 
Middle  Western  states  attended.  The  college, 
Science  Hill,  was  located  in  a  beautiful  grove 
of  trees  on  a  hill,  and  equipped  with  the  ablest 
faculty  of  teachers  money  could  secure,  among 
them  Prof.  Farnum,  President,  and  Prof.  J.  H. 
Kappes,  a  German  music  teacher  and  composer. 
Miss  Marsh  was  put  under  his  instruction.  In 
a  letter  to  her  after  leaving  school  the  profes- 
sor's wife  wrote  her  that  the  professor  wished 
he  had  some  more  musical  enthusiasts  like  her, 
and  the  height  of  the  ambition  of  the  college 
girls  was  to  play  like  Nannie  Marsh.  In  the 
fifties  steamboating  was  in  its  palmiest  days. 
Before  the  railroads  traversed  the  river  banks, 
all  the  traffic,  both  passengers  and  freight,  was 
done  on  the  river.  Fine  palatial  steamers, 
running  from  Cincinnati  to  New  Orleans  daily, 
passed  New  Albany.  The  river  character  and 
the  tremendous  traffic  was  famous  in  its  day; 
all  the  wealth  of  society  from  the  South  and 


A  True  Romance  7 

West  were  continually  passing  up  and  down 
the  river.  Each  boat  had  its  quota  of  officers 
from  pilot,  captain,  head  clerks,  mate,  engineers 
and  deck  hands,  and  money  was  plentiful  in 
those  days,  and  good  salaries  were  paid  the 
allotment,  especially  the  officers.  The  accom- 
modations were  elaborate  and  palatial,  and  the 
cuisine  was  unsurpassed.  Often  bands  of 
music,  and  steam  calliopes,  and  the  whistling 
of  the  steamboats  was  a  thing  that  attracted 
the  attention  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  river 
towns.  In  the  year  1854-5,  Mark  Anthony 
was  head  clerk  on  the  steamboat  Sultana.  He 
stopped  occasionally  at  New  Albany  while  the 
boat  was  loading,  which  would  be  a  day  or  two, 
as  it  was  the  head  of  river  navigation  in  low 
water,  on  account  of  the  Ohio  falls.  He  was 
known  somewhat  socially  among  the  society  of 
New  Albany,  being  somewhat  tall,  with  black 
hair  and  beard,  a  perfect  Apollo  in  figure,  a 
good  dresser,  a  very  versatile  and  genial  gen- 
tleman of  the  old  school,  and  Chesterfieldian  in 
manner  to  every  one  he  met.  He  was  born  in 
Zanesville,  Ohio,  son  of  John  Anthony,  whose 
father  was  Paul  Antoine,  born  on  the  Rhine, 
whose  wife  was  Cornelia  Van  Buskirk,  of 


8  A  True  Romance 

Knickerbocker  stock.  He  is  also  a  cousin  of 
Susan  B.  Anthony.  His  mother,  Eliza  Peas, 
whose  mother  was  Jarusha  Hall,  whose  brothers 
Samuel  and  Abram  Hall  were  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war.  He  was  educated  at  St.  Gene- 
vieve  college,  south  of  St.  Louis,  on  the  Missis- 
sippi, spoke  French,  a  lover  of  the  classics, 
whose  favorite  poets  were  Pope,  Shelley, 
Keats,  Pollock,  Milton  and  Byron,  the  last- 
named  being  his  capital  favorite. 

On  one  occasion  he  met  Miss  Marsh's  aunt, 
who  said  she  had  a  favorite  niece  just  from 
school  she  wanted  him  to  meet.  He  called  one 
evening.  As  he  entered  the  room  she  was  sit- 
ting playing  the  piano.  He  said  to  himself 
there  is  the  little  woman  I  have  been  looking 
for  all  my  life.  After  a  pleasant  evening  Cupid 
had  sunk  his  arrow  deep.  As  is  quite  natural 
he  called  at  every  opportunity,  and  notes  and 
letters  were  passed  between  them.  An  attach- 
ment was  seen,  which  displeased  her  aunt,  and 
something  must  be  done  to  stop  it.  She  was 
but  fifteen  years  old.  but  only  a  school  girl,  and 
still  at  school.  Lovers  will  always  find  a  way 
to  communicate,  and  notes  and  letters  followed 
her  to  school.  She  received  the  following 


A  True  Romance  9 

letter  from  her  uncle  while  at  school  at  George- 
town, Ky. : 

NEW  ALBANY,  Sunday  Eve.,  Oct.  2,  1854. 
DEAR  NANNIE: 

I  have  just  returned  from  hearing  Brother 
Sears.  Our  church  has  undertaken  a  revival, 
I  hope  the  day  is  not  distant  when  you  shall 
take  as  deep  an  interest  in  such  matters  as  did 
your  sainted  mother.*  Always  recollect  that 
you  are  not  too  young  to  die,  and  how  painful 
will  be  the  reflection  that  those  relatives  and 
friends  who  have  gone  before  should  occupy  a 
place  different  from  ourselves,  when  it  is  our 
privilege  and  duty  to  strive  to  be  with  them  in 
heaven.  Bear  in  mind ;  to  love  and  serve  God 
is  the  beginning  of  wisdom. 

Since  you  have  left  the  beaus  have  left,  a 
death-like  stillness  has  come  over  the  house,  the 
piano  remains  unopened,  and  all  musical  no- 
tions have  been  laid  on  the  shelf.  I  was  not 
at  all  astonished  to  hear  you  had  a  great  desire 
to  come  home,  but  you  must  give  up  all  such 
thoughts  and  apply  yourself  closely  to  your 
studies.  As  far  as  music  is  concerned  you  al- 

*  Her  mother  had  lately  passed  away. 


io  A  True  Romance 

ready  have  arrived  at  an  enviable  position.  I 
would  not  have  you  let  go  any  acquirement 
you  have  made  in  music,  but  practice  daily,  and 
occasionally  take  a  new  piece.  But  let  other 
things  now  'occupy  most  of  your  time;  there 
are  studies  such  as  History,  Geography, 
Natural  Philosophy,  and  many  other  studies  to 
which  I  hope  you  will  devote  your  time,  the 
acquirement  of  which  will  make  your  society 
highly  interesting.  My  Dear  Nannie,  recollect 
most  of  our  knowledge  is  derived  from  books, 
cast  from  you  those  yellow-covered  trashy,  love- 
sick tales,  that  leave  persons  more  ignorant 
after  their  perusal  than  before,  and  rob  them  of 
time  never  to  be  recovered.  There  is  one  thing 
you  must  do  if  you  would  be  happy  in  this  life, 
and  that  is  read  your  Bible  every  day  if  you 
read  but  one  verse.  Just  promise  me  you  will 
do  this.  If  you  will  pray  God  to  forgive  your 
sins  night  and  morning  you  may  be  assured  he 
will,  then  you  will  be  happy  hereafter.  I  am 
happy  you  have  nice  room  mates  and  a  good 
room.  I  need  hardly  tell  you  that  a  letter  from 
you  would  afford  me  much  pleasure.  Good  bye. 

My  best  love, 

J.  K.  W D. 


A  True  Romance  1 1 

One  cannot  but  help  think  of  the  necessity 
in  the  education  and  culture  of  earlier  years  as 
the  foundation  in  a  measure  of  the  building  of 
character,  manners  and  disposition  as  a  basis 
for  future  life.  The  surrounding  influences  of 
companions  and  books,  and  the  education  one 
has  sets  the  standard  for  which  the  life  is 
molded  into  its  ideal.  Surrounding  circum- 
stance may  alter  these  conditions  in  middle  life, 
but  the  obligation  is  discharged  by  parents, 
when  they  jealously  guard  the  earlier  career  of 
their  children. 

The  following  letter  Mark  Anthony  received 
from  his  mother  on  his  twenty-first  birthday, 
1846,  a  touching  and  remarkable  document. 

ZANESVILLE,  OHIO,  Dec.  i,  1846. 
MY  DEAR  SON  : 

I  hail  with  pleasure  and  gratitude  this  the 
anniversary  of  your  birthday,  may  you  have 
many  happy  returns  of  the  same,  each  witness- 
ing to  your  self  and  the  world  that  you  have 
not  lived  for  naught.  But  as  a  useful  member 
of  society,  exercising  an  influence  that  shall 
descend  blessing  upon  your  posterity.  You  are 
this  day  my  son,  twenty-one  years  of  age,  you 


12  A  True  Romance 

have  arrived  at  that  eventful  period  in  life  to 
which  every  young  man  looks  forward  to  with 
deep  interest,  as  bringing  with  it  some  new  era. 
in  his  existence.  What  hopes,  what  plans, 
what  high  resolutions  you  may  have  formed, 
I  know  not,  doubtless  you  have  some;  ask 
yourself  then  my  dear  boy  what  they  are. 
Whatever  they  may  be,  make,  oh.  make  them 
not  in  your  own  strength,  alone.  But  go  to 
God,  he  has  been  the  guide  of  your  youth,  and 
if  you  trust  in  him  will  be  the  support  of  your 
manhood  and  consolation  in  the  decline  of 
years. 

You  have  already  been  for  years  engaged  in 
business  and  know  its  trials  and  perplexities. 
Few  of  your  age  have  so  great  a  knowledge  of 
mankind,  yet  few,  very  few  have  bought  their 
experience  so  dearly,  you  have  had  friends  to 
caress,  flatter  and  cluster  around  in  prosperity. 
But  in  the  hour  of  adversity  when  the  chill 
hand  of  penury  pressed  heavy  upon  you,  have 
fled  and  passed  away  like  the  fantastic  visions 
of  evening,  leaving  you  naught  but  the  biting 
sting  of  benefits  forgotten.  Let  then  your  past 
experience  in  the  choice  of  friends  make  you 
more  watchful  for  the  future.  And  now  my 


A  True  Romance  1 3 

son  it  might  be  profitable  to  recall  some  few  of 
the  pleasing  recollections  and  painful  thoughts 
which  crowd  upon  my  mind  at  this  time. 
Twenty-one  years.  What  changes  ye  have 
wrought,  I  go  back  through  the  vista  of  time 
to  that  day  which  introduced  you  an  immortal 
being  to  this  world  of  sin  and  sorrow,  when, 
with  a  love  and  joy  so  full,  new  and  sweet,  did 
I  clasp  you,  my  first  born,  to  my  bosom,  and 
with  all  a  fond  mother's  affection  invoke  God's 
blessing  upon  your  infant  head.  At  the  age 
of  ten  months  your  parents  offered  you  at  the 
baptismal  font,  though  strangers  then  to  the 
saving  grace  of  God  ourselves  we  hoped  to 
secure  its  blessing  to  you  and  show  our  inten- 
tion to  train  you  for  usefulness  and  heaven. 
That  ordinance  was  performed  by  a  clergyman 
of  the  Baptist  church  at  our  own  house.  We 
were  frequently  reminded  by  your  delicate 
health  that  you  were  only  lent  to  us,  liable  at 
any  moment  to  be  snatched  away  and  trans- 
ported to  another  and  a  better  world.  Little  did 
I  think  I  was  nursing  one  who  in  after  years 
was  to  be  my  only  earthly  support.  How  mys- 
terious truly  are  the  ways  of  Providence,  but 
oh,  how  wise. 


14  A  True  Romance 

And  I  trust  while  life  lasts  you  will  remem- 
ber a  fond  mother's  last  injunction.  Obey  your 
parents  that  your  days  may  be  full  of  useful- 
ness and  long  in  the  land  of  the  living.  Of  this 
I  must  say  I  have  had  no  reason  to  complain, 
you  have  always  been  ready  to  sacrifice  per- 
sonal comfort  and  enjoyment  for  my  gratifica- 
tion. We  have  passed  through  many  vicissi- 
tudes and  trials  together,  and  the  promise  of 
Jehovah  has  been  meted  out  to  us.  "  I  will  be 
a  guide  to  those  who  trust  in  me;"  and  my 
life  has  been  spared  to  see  my  children  arrive 
at  years  of  discretion.  But  sad  solemn  thought 
without  God  and  without  heaven.  Grant  oh 
my  Father,  that  these  eyes  may  yet  behold  them 
walking  in  wisdom's  ways.  Then  like  Simeon 
of  old  will  I  say,  "  Now  let  thy  servant  depart 
in  peace."  One  thing  my  dear  boy.  I  must 
painfully  allude  to  broken  vows  at  God's  sanc- 
tuary made,  I  believe  in  sincerity  at  the  time 
but  in  total  ignorance  of  your  deceitful  heart, 
yet  there  they  stand  registered  in  heaven,  how 
my  son  oh!  how  will  you  meet  them  on  that 
great  day  when  the  searcher  of  all  hearts  is  to 
judge  between  the  unfaithful  and  the  just? 

And  now  my  ever  dear  and  only  son,  my 


A  True  Romance  15 

earthly  hope  and  stay,  I  this  day  proclaim  you 
are  a  freeman,  and  parental  authority  over  you 
ceases.  I  tremble  when  thinking  of  what  has 
been  my  influence,  and  call  high  heaven  to 
witness,  though  feeble,  yet  have  I  ever  en- 
deavored to  teach  you  the  way  of  eternal  life 
and  guide  your  footsteps  unhesitatingly  firm 
in  the  path  of  rectitude  and  virtue.  You  can- 
not, dear  boy,  forget  a  mother's  admonitions, 
you  cannot  forget  how  often  we  have  knelt  to- 
gether in  prayer,  how  often  read  that  holy  book 
marked  with  the  seal  of  high  divinity,  forever 
beseeching  us  to  read,  believe  and  live.  Oh, 
my  son,  if  you  will  forget  now,  there  will  be 
a  time  in  after  life  when  that  mother  lies  be- 
neath the  clods  of  the  valley,  when  these  scenes 
will  return  and  as  a  well  spring  of  life  I  hope 
bring  joy  and  peace,  or  on  the  contrary  like  a 
flood  of  despair  o'erwhelm  the  soul  with  an- 
guish. God  knows  in  a  mother's  love  I  have 
never  been  wanting,  with  a  mother's  weakness, 
through  a  too  fond  idolatry,  doubtless  I  have 
erred.  If  so  forgive  then  my  dear  boy  any  past 
unfaithfulness,  and  be  assured  that  affection 
which  welcomed  you  to  this  world,  has  been  for 
twenty-one  years,  growing  deeper  and  stronger, 


1 6  A  True  Romance 

but  trust  my  child  you  need  no  assurance  of 
that  fact.  Oh,  that  you  could  fathom  the 
anxiety  of  my  heart  at  this  moment,  and  know 
how  earnestly  it  prays  for  your  peace  and  pros- 
perity in  this  world  and  that  which  is  to  come. 
And  now  permit  me  my  dear  Mark,  while  the 
sacred  duty  and  high  privilege  is  yet  mine,  to 
give  some  advice  for  your  future  conduct.  May 
the  blessing  of  heaven  attend  it.  The  first 
thing  is  to  be  temperate  in  all  things,  shun  the 
intoxicating  bowl  in  every  form  as  your  dead- 
liest foe.  How  many  young  men  with  hopes 
as  bright,  with  prospects  as  fair,  and  reputation 
as  dear  as  life,  has  fallen  a  prey  to  this  dread- 
ful sin.  Oh !  how  many  homes  have  been  made 
desolate,  and  fond  parents,  affectionate  sisters 
and  devoted  brothers'  fond  wishes  have  been 
blasted  and  lay  withering  in  the  dust  from  grief 
brought  on  by  an  erring  one  being  fatally 
tempted  by  that  monster  alcohol.  Shun  ardent 
spirits  my  son,  and  I  shall  have  no  fears  for 
you.  Never,  oh  my  God,  never  let  these  gray 
hairs  go  down  to  an  untimely  grave  through 
affliction  from  such  a  source.  But  I  hope  and 
believe  differently  though  I  thus  speak.  The 
next  thing,  shun  all  evil  associates.  Your  too 


A  True  Romance  17 

liberal  disposition  has  always  given  me  uneasi- 
ness on  this  score.  It  is  difficult  for  you  to  re- 
fuse, and  harder  still,  having  joined  them  to 
break  away;  be  firm  then  in  resisting  this 
temptation,  for 

Approaching  vice  is  decked  in  charm, 

And  smiles  with  promises  of  gain; 
No  sooner  past  than  all  its  joys  are  fled 

And  its  transient  pleasures  turned  to  pain. 

The  next  thing  is  Sabbath  breaking.  Young 
men  of  business  are  particularly  in  danger  of 
this  sin.  Yet  if  there  is  one  more  than  an- 
other upon  which  God  hurls  his  wrath  it  is  this ; 
read  the  Bible,  it  is  full  of  awful  denunciations 
against  the  Sabbath  breaker.  Next  thing  do 
not  neglect  the  house  of  prayer;  do  what  you 
can  for  the  support  of  the  Gospel;  and  though 
not  least,  be  faithful  to  your  employers,  make 
their  interests  dear  as  your  own;  this  is  your 
duty,  and  by  so  doing  you  will  never  want  a 
friend.  You  may  think,  dear  Mark  this  letter 
a  gloomy  one,  but  I  have  not  so  intended.'  I 
desire  under  these  peculiar  circumstances  our 
mutual  benefit,  and  should  you  think  these 
feeble  lines  worthy  of  preserving,  and  in  one 


1 8  A  True  Romance 

instance  you  should  be  made  a  better  and  hap- 
pier man  by  following  its  advice,  I  am  quite 
recompensed ;  and  in  after  years  when  the  hand 
that  penned  them  shall  be  cold  in  death,  I  trust 
you  will  look  at  this  and  the  blest  volume  that 
accompanies  it  as  a  sacred  memento  of  a  fond 
mother's  undying  love.  I  have  no  wealth  to 
offer  you  as  I  once  had,  but  accept  my  son  this 
Bible,  and  may  you  ever  be  guided  by  its  pre- 
cepts. It  will  be  a  lamp  to  guide  your  foot- 
steps unhesitatingly  firm  through  this  dark 
world,  as  the  polar  star  of  truth  to  twinkle  be- 
fore you;  then  shall  you  be  free  and  happy. 
And  when  in  the  solitude  of  your  room,  next  to 
God  think,  oh  think,  of  your  affectionate  and 

devoted 

MOTHER. 

While  at  school  Miss  Marsh  was  evidently 
very  popular,  from  the  following  letters  from 
school  girls  that  have  some  romance  in  them : 

FRANKFORT,  KY.,  Aug.  15. 

DEAR  NANNIE: 

Procrastination  is  generally  considered  the 
thief  of  time,  and  as  to  myself  it  has  generally 


A  True  Romance  19 

proved  such,  but  I  am  determined  it  never  shall 
be  so  again  as  I  can  make  no  good  excuses  now 
since  I  left  school  and  laid  aside  the  books  and 
cares  of  a  school  girl  life;  and  then  again,  why 
should  I  wish  to  make  excuses  for  not  writing 
to  one  who  I  prefer  corresponding  with  above 
all  others,  excepting  my  nearest  relatives. 
Nannie  you  are  well  aware  that  you  have  been 
my  bosom  friend  for  many  a  year,  and  I  hope 
you  may  still  continue  to  be  such,  and  be  as- 
sured, Dear  Nannie,  you  shall  have  a  place  in 
my  memory  amid  the  numerous  others  who 
have  gained  a  lasting  remembrance  by  one  who 
is  unworthy  of  such  pure  and  lasting  love  which 
has  been  bestowed  upon  her  by  many.  Dear 
Nannie,  I  am  thought  to  be  cold  hearted,  the 
reason  why  I  do  not  know,  without  it  is  be- 
cause, I  would  not  give  my  hand  to  those  where 
my  heart  can  never  go  and  be  happy  and  con- 
tented, I  have  been  thinking  all  morning  that 
perhaps  the  advice  which  I  have  been  giving 
you  of  late  is  not  altogether  proper,  as  perhaps 
it  may  change  your  warm  heart  to  a  cold  one 
like  my  own,  but  Nannie,  you  are  well  ac- 
quainted with  this  cold  heart,  and  so  you  think 
it  is  true,  the  rest  may  think  as  they  please, 


20  A  True  Romance 

although  I  would  prefer  it.  if  it  were  possible, 
for  every  one  to  think  so.  This  is  a  strange 
world,  any  way  you  can  arrange  it,  while  we 
are  enjoying  its  pleasures  it  is  preparing  us  for 
its  sorrows,  so  have  I  found  it,  and  I  think  my 
pathway  through  life  so  far  has  been  strewn 
with  flowers,  as  to  what  many  others  have  had 
to  endure,  although  numerous  little  troubles 
have  darkened  my  pathway  for  a  short  time, 
casting  the  fleeting  sunbeams  from  my  view 
but,  I  fear  they  were  but  momentary  when 
compared  to  the  many  trials  which  may  yet  be 
in  store  for  me  in  later  life.  As  to  whether  it 
will  be  proper  for  me  to  embrace  that  oppor- 
tunity which  was  to  present  itself  in  the  follow- 
ing thirty-six  hours,  I  cannot  make  up  my  mind 
or  come  to  the  conclusion  what  to  do.  Al- 
though I  would  willingly  see  him,  yet  I  fear 
his  constancy,  as  to  deceiving  mother  I  know 
it  will  be  wrong,  my  own  conscience  tells  me  so, 
but  what  can  I  do,  how  can  I  act,  in  this  case? 
I  cannot  tell,  I  know  my  own  feelings,  and 
where  my  happiness  depends,  but  yet  at  the 
same  time  is  it  right  to  deceive  one  who  has 
loved  me  fondly  and  truly,  who  has  taken  care 


A  True  Romance  21 

of  me  from  infancy  and  guided  my  steps  aright 
so  far  over  life's  tempestuous  sea?  Perhaps 
she  may  be  right,  he  may  not  be  worthy  of  me. 
But  my  mind  is  made  up,  I  cannot  think  him 
anything  else  but  true,  and  I  will  think  none 
the  less  of  him  till  he  proves  false ;  and  then  I 
will  discard  and  scorn  him,  and  not  till  then. 
No  one  knows  how  well  I  love  my  mother. 
She  has  always  been  good  and  kind  to  me.  I 
would  give  everything  I  possess  in  this  world 
to  please  her  in  the  selection  of  a  companion 
whom  I  take  for  life,  but  I  fear  that  will  be 
impossible,  provided  I  study  my  own  interest 
and  happiness.  But  I  will  say  no  more  on  this 
subject  at  present,  except  if  matters  can  be  ar- 
ranged and  he  still  desires  an  interview  it  shall 
be  granted  to  him  as  soon  as  I  return  home,  at 
the  risk  of  my  life.  I  am  enjoying  myself  finely, 
far  beyond  my  expectation.  I  did  not  expect 
Frankfort  to  be  as  gay  and  fashionable  as  it 
is,  for  generally  it  is  gayer  in  the  winter.  If 
it  were  not  for  my  teeth,  which  should  not  be 
neglected  any  longer  than  can  be  prevented,  I 
would  not  come  home  for  a  month  or  six  weeks, 
as  I  am  surrounded  by  devoted  admirers,  which 


22  A  True  Romance 

suits  me  exactly.  You  know  I  was  awakened 
last  night  from  my  slumbers  by  some  of  the 
best  music  that  I  have  heard  lately,  it  was  de- 
lightful ;  the  gentlemen  here  go  out  serenad- 
ing most  every  night,  and  they  play  very 
well.  I  am  invited  to  a  wedding  on  Thurs- 
day. It  is  a  Miss  Stout,  but  not  my  rival ; 
she  is  going  to  marry  a  Mr.  Cannon,  of  Louis- 
ville. From  what  I  can  hear  it  will  be  a  large 
wedding.  Nannie,  I  promised  Kate  and  Mattie 
Plummer  that  as  soon  as  I  come  home  I  would 
get  you  and  Mr.  Anthony  to  go  spend  the 
evening  with  them,  and  you  must  both  go. 
You  must  give  my  respects  and  compliments 
to  Mr.  Anthony,  and  also  tell  him  I  fear  I 
never  can  repay  him  for  his  kindness  towards 
me  excepting  by  giving  him  my  "  Dearest 
Friend; "  name  unmentionable.  I  have  just 
received  an  invitation  to  dine  with  the  Gover- 
nor to-day  at  two  o'clock.  There  is  to  be  a 
large  cotillion  party,  or  rather  a  prize  ball  to- 
night at  the  Mansion  House.  I  have  not  made 
up  my  mind  whether  to  go  or  not,  as  it  is  so 
warm  and  disagreeable  that  there  would  not  be 
much  pleasure  in  dancing,  and  you  know  that 
I  could  not  be  a  spectator  and  not  a  partaker 


A  True  Romance  23 

of  all  the  enjoyment  without  a  great  deal  of 
presence  of  mind. 

Yours  as  ever, 


She  writes  from  school  a  note. 

LIZZIE  : 

I  thought  I  would  write  you  a  note  to  ask  a 
great  favor  of  you,  which  I  hope  you  will  grant. 
I  want  you  to  make  me  some  nice  pies,  pound 
cake  and  pickles,  and  all  such  things.  Cheese, 
crackers  and  everything  nice,  and  put  in  a  box 
and  send  it  to  me.  I  do  get  so  hungry,  and 
that  would  be  such  a  treat.  Nearly  all  the  girls 
receive  boxes  from  home  with  nice  things  to 
eat.  You  box  them  up  carefully  and  direct  the 
box  to  Nannie  L.  Marsh,  care  of  J.  E.  Farnum, 
Georgetown,  Ky. 

And  received  the  following: 

NEW  ALBANY,  Mar.  54. 
DEAR  JOHN  DAVID  NANCY  : 

How  are  you  off  to-day  for  bread.  I  hope 
you  are  not  starving  for  some,  are  you  ?  Lizzie 
laughed  when  she  received  the  note  and  said 


24  A  True  Romance 

she  would  send  the  cars  full,  for  poor  Nan. 
Nan,  I'd  give  this  world  if  you  were  here;  the 
water  is  all  up  like  it  was  last  year,  and  Hy 
Mallery  and  Bill  Jackson,  built  a  flat  and  I  go 
riding  all  the  time.  I  told  them  about  your 
riding  in  the  tub,  and  they  laughed  I  tell  you. 
I  told  them  about  Julia  falling  down  and  break- 
ing the  floor  loose,  and  about  the  boots  and, 
oh  my,  but  they  laughed ;  they  all  say  there 
would  have  been  no  fun  if  it  had  not  been  for 
me.  Sunday  Uncle  John  and  John  Alexander 
came  down  to  our  house  and  went  riding  in 
Uncle  Gus's  flat,  so  I  took  sick  and  like  to 
fainted,  and  Uncle  John,  Emma  and  I  got  out, 
and  John  stayed  in  and  got  about  a  dozen  little 
boys  in  with  him.  Judge  Hooper  had  some 
logs  tied  across  from  two  trees  and  John  got 
across  the  ropes  and  couldn't  get  back.  Well, 
the  poor  fellow  tried  about  an  hour;  and  he 
was  most  dead.  I  was  up  stairs  laughing  at 
him,  and  never  laughed  so  much  in  my  life  at 
one  thing,  so  John  tied  the  flat  at  grandma's 
door  and  got  Aaron  McDoodle  to  help  him, 
and  we  kept  telling  Emma  what  to  say  to  him. 
She  hallooed,  Mr.  McDoodle  take  care  of  him, 
don't  get  away  from  him,  and  Mr.  Alexander 


A  True  Romance  25 

the  great  commander  shot  a  goose  and  killed  a 
gander.  John  Alexander  says  he  will  never 
forget  that  boat  ride.  Minerva  came  down  and 
Uncle  John  went  to  shore  with  the  boat  and 
brought  her  over,  and  when  she  went  to  go 
back  I  went  too,  and  so  went  to  jump  out  of  the 
boat  it  slipped  back  and  I  jumped  right  in  the 
river  up  to  my  knees.  Johnnie  Creed  and  John 
Payne,  and  John  Lewis  were  all  standing  right 
by  the  land,  and  seen  me,  and  everybody  around 
there  laughed,  and  I  was  mad.  I  got  in  the 
boat  and  went  back  home  and  wouldn't  speak 
to  them.  Nannie,  what  do  you  think,  your  Pa 
is  coming  to  see  you  as  soon  as  he  gets  his 
business  settled,  and  he  is  going  to  bring  me. 
I  did  not  want  to  let  you  know  it,  but  when 
you  see  somebody  dressed  in  light  green  you 
will  know  who  it  is,  then  the  girls  will  think 
I  am  a  green  Hoosier  sure  enough.  Never 
"  mind  next  "  September  I  will  begin  to  help 
you  fight  for  the  rights  of  Hoosierdom.  Nan, 
will  you  believe  me  if  I  tell  you  I  have  fallen  in 
love  with  a  preacher  ?  Well  it  is  so.  He  preaches 
at  our  church.  He  lives  in  Louisville,  and  is 
the  editor  of  the  Baptist  Courier.  He  is  a 
young  widower,  now  what  do  you  think  of 


26  A  True  Romance 

that.  They  plague  me  nearly  to  death  about 
him  at  home.  Uncle  John  says  we  will  make 
such  a  nice  little  couple,  for  he  is  not  much 
taller  than  I  am,  and  oh,  so  handsome.  I  told 
Uncle  John  I  was  going  to  send  some  poetry 
to  his  paper,  and  he  says  he  is  going  to  tell 
him.  His  name  is  Ford.  Now  Nan  don't  tell 
anybody  a  word  of  it,  for  I  don't  want  the 

girls  here  to  find  it  out.    Mr.  W has  not 

come  home  yet,  but  Minerva  hears  from  him 
very  often.  I  believe  he  writes  to  her.  My 
Lord !  I  could  kill  her  for  taking  him.  I  hate 
him  now  worse  than  ever,  and  I  don't  believe 
she  loves  him  either.  Read  the  note. 

Your  cousin, 

S . 

Miss  Marsh  was  but  fifteen  years  old  when 
this  was  written. 

GEORGETOWN,  March  u,  1854. 
To  MARK  ANTHONY. 
DEAR  FRIEND: 

I  received  your  interesting  letter  some  time 
since,  but  I  have  been  so  engaged  I  have  not 
until  now  had  an  opportunity  of  answering  it. 


A  True  Romance  27 

As  you  have  never  visited  Georgetown  I  sup- 
pose you  would  be  interested  to  know  what 
kind  of  a  place  it  is.  Well,  as  I  am  not  skilled 
in  writing  descriptive  style,  I  hope  you  will  ex- 
cuse me  if  my  composition  does  not  suit  your 
taste. 

Georgetown  is  quite  a  pleasant  little  town 
situated  on  a  branch  of  the  Elkhorn  river.  It 
is  remarkable  for  the  energy  and  industry  of  its 
inhabitants.  For  its  schools;  both  male  and 
female,  and  for  its  intelligent  and  refined  so- 
ciety. It  has  several  churches  and  dwellings. 
It  possesses  two  curiosities.  One  is  the  Big 
spring.  It  is  beautiful  indeed,  and  so  romantic. 
I  think  if  I  should  ever  have  occasion  to  write 
my  farewell  to  Georgetown  I  would  choose  a 
place  beside  the  Old  Spring,  where  all  is  still 
and  quiet  save  the  music  of  the  waters  beneath 
my  feet.  It  is  in  such  a  place  as  this  I  love  to 
go  and  think  of  home  and  of  the  pleasures  of 
bygone  hours  spent  with  friends,  whose  sweet 
faces  perhaps  I  never  more  will  see.  Ah !  how 
sad  it  makes  me  feel  to  think  of  it;  but  I  am 
digressing,  General  Flourney  is  the  other  curi- 
osity. He  is  one  indeed.  I  cannot  describe 
him.  You  must  come  here  and  get  acquainted 


28  A  True  Romance 

with  him  yourself.  I  must  tell  you  something 
of  my  school.  Science  Hill  is  situated  in  the 
suburbs  of  the  town,  rather  a  retired  place,  but 
by  no  means  unpleasant  on  that  account; 
we  have  a  very  large  yard,  highly  orna- 
mented with  shrubbery  of  all  descriptions.  In 
a  retired  part  of  the  yard  is  a  beautiful  monu- 
ment erected  over  the  remains  of  one  of  our 
school  girls.  It  is  such  a  sweet  place  to  visit. 
It  always  awakens  in  my  mind  when  I  see  the 
fair  flowers  as  they  bloom  o'er  the  grave,  of 
the  time  when  I  too  shall  pass  from  this  earth, 
and  when  I  am  gone  will  the  flowers  bloom 
over  my  grave  nourished  by  the  hand  of  affec- 
tion ?  Ah !  I  hope  I  will  have  some  friends  in 
whose  remembrance  I  will  ever  live. 

My  dear  friend,  as  I  have  a  great  deal  to  do 
this  morning  I  hope  you  will  excuse  a  short 
letter.  I  am  very  sorry  I  have  not  time  to 
finish  a  description  of  this  place,  but  I  will 
write  you  another  letter  soon,  and  will  try  to 
write  a  longer.  Julia  sends  her  love  and  says 
she  would  like  to  hear  from  you,  write  soon. 
Your  devoted  friend, 

NANNIE. 


A  True  Romance  29 

From  Mrs.  S.  R.  Kappes,  wife  of  the  Ger- 
man professor  of  music  of  Georgetown  college. 

GEORGETOWN,  April  2,  '55. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

I  did  not  intend  to  allow  so  many  weeks  to 
slip  by  before  sending  you  that  promised  letter. 
Time  here  always  passes  rapidly,  but  this  year 
has  been  unusually  short,  twelve  more  weeks 
and  we  all,  like  you,  will  share  the  luxury  of 
leisure.  Probably,  however,  you  find  abundant 
and  interesting  employment  with  your  piano, 
guitar,  books  and  friends.  Eliza  Waller  in- 
formed me  you  were  very  happy  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  health,  home  and  social  pleasures. 
But  do  not,  dear  Nannie,  forget  all  your  old 
friends  here,  for  there  are  many  who  think  and 
speak  frequently  of  you — and  to  play  like 
Nannie  Marsh  is  the  standard  which  I  often 
hear  music  pupils  propose.  I  really  wish  they 
would  manifest  the  same  interest  and  persever- 
ance. Mr.  Kappes  would  enjoy  teaching  a  few 
such  enthusiasts.  But  a  word  on  the  subject 
of  books,  for  you  have  very  wisely  determined 
to  devote  a  portion  of  your  time  to  the  perusal 


30  A  True  Romance 

of  improving  literary  works.  Here  you  find 
an  almost  unlimited  field  from  which  to  select. 
Not  always,  however,  is  the  most  tempting 
fruit  that  which  is  most  agreeable  to  the  unex- 
perienced. Most  suited  to  promote  intellectual 
improvement,  and  hence  the  importance  of 
yielding  to  the  judgment  of  some  one  older  and 
wiser. 

In  giving  you  some  advice,  relative  to  the 
selection  of  books,  I  feel  greatly  at  a  loss  to 
know  where  I  should  commence,  your  own  taste 
perhaps  like  that  of  most  young  persons  would 
be  better  suited  with  a  more  frivolous  kind  of 
reading  than  would  be  altogether  beneficial. 

If  it  has  no  other  evil  effect,  it  prevents  an 
individual  from  acquiring  that  amount  of  use- 
ful information,  the  want  of  which  sometimes 
makes  them  appear  very  ridiculous.  It  is  very 
necessary  to  know  something  of  the  principal 
events  in  history,  especially  in  that  of  our  own 
country.  This  department  of  our  'literature 
has  been  made  very  interesting  by  the  efforts  of 
such  men  as  Macaulay,  Bancroft,  Prescott, 
Abbott  and  others,  all  of  whose  works  you 
might  read  with  great  profit;  you  should  also 
have  a  general  acquaintance  with  the  character 


A  True  Romance  .  3 1 

of  our  most  distinguished  authors,  you  will 
then  be  better  able  to  appreciate  their  writings; 
you  must  not  fail  to  know  something  of  our 
great  poets,  Milton,  Shakespeare,  Young, 
Pollock,  Thomson,  and  many  others.  Works 
of  travel  are  numerous,  and  some  of  them  very 
useful.  Stevens,  Bayard  Taylor  and  Admiral 
Clinton,  I  have  enjoyed  reading  very  much, 
also  N.  P.  Willis'  "  Pencillings  by  the  Way," 
and  "  Health  Trip  to  the  West  Indies,"  and  in 
this  connection  I  must  not  omit  Miss  Sedg- 
wick's  "  Letters  from  Abroad."  For  beauty  of 
style  and  purity  of  sentiment  none  can  exceed 
Washington  Irving.  He  has  just  opened  a 
new  work,  probably  his  last,  as  he  is  a  very  old 
man — "  Wolfert's  Roost."  Among  the  light 
literature  which  has  recently  engaged  my  at- 
tention, and  which  I  can  recommend  to  all  my 
young  friends,  is  "  The  Lamplighter,"  "  The 
Newsboy,"  "  Ruth  Hall,"  "  Beauties  of  Fanny 
Fenn,"  "  The  Jesuits  in  Your  Homes,"  or 
"Stanhope  Burleigh,"  "The  Lost  Heiress," 
"  Fashion  and  Famine."  Some  of  these  have 
a  fine  moral  tendency,  and  none  of  them  are 
objectionable  on  that  score,  but  as  I  shall  hope 
to  have  the  privilege  of  answering  your  letters 


32  A  True  Romance 

often  I  will  add  no  more  on  this  subject  at 
present.  Before  I  close  I  am  compelled  to  add 
one  sad  piece  of  intelligence.  Mr.  Harvey 
Graves'  *  house  was  burned  literally  to  the 
ground  on  last  Wednesday  night,  nothing  save 
the  brick  walls  remain.  The  family  speak  of 
removing  to  town  until  they  can  build.  Isadore 
of  course  feels  rather  sadly,  not  because  she 
will  ever  really  feel  the  loss,  but  more  espe- 
cially for  the  breaking  up  of  old  associations. 
Nannie,  will  you  not  be  in  Georgetown  at  com- 
mencement? We  would  all  be  happy  to  see 
you.  Mr.  Kappes  desires  a  kind  remembrance, 
and  says  you  must  let  him  know  how  you  are 
progressing  in  music,  what  learning.  All 
would  send  love  if  they  knew  I  was  writing, 
but  I  cannot  wait  to  ask  so  many. 

Your  affectionate  friend, 

S.  R.  KAPPES. 

The  following  was  received  at  school  f  from 
relatives  and  friends. 


*  The  Graves'  House  was  noted  for  its  social  functions 
in  those  days  among  the  elite  of  Kentucky. 

t  These  letters  are  necessary  to  show  the  position  in 
life  and  the  many  acquaintances  Miss  Marsh  had  and  all 
knew  of  the  romance  of  her  and  Mr.  Anthony  and  the 
opposition  she  had  from  her  aunt  and  father. 


A  True  Romance  33 

NEW  ALBANY,  January  n,  '55. 

MY  DEAR  FRIEND  NANNIE  : 

To  confess  the  truth  I  am  really  ashamed  to 
attempt  a  letter  at  this  late  hour  and  could 
scarcely  blame  you  for  accusing  me  of  all  im- 
aginable sins  and  badness.  Well  Nannie,  I 
was  very  much  surprised  upon  returning  home 
from  a  trip  up  town  one  day  at  finding  a  piece 
of  music  directed  to  Miss  Carrie  W.  Imagine 
the  surprise  when  upon  further  examination 
I  found  and  recognized  your  handwriting  and 
also  discovered  a  gentleman's  name  which  I 
immediately  attributed  to  your  estimable  music 
teacher  Mr.  Kappes.  Besides  esteeming,  it  is 
quite  an  honor,  I  wish  you  to  accept  my  warm- 
est thanks,  presenting  if  you  please,  the  same 
to  your  teacher,  and  of  this  I  am  quite  confi- 
dent, that  if  he  can  compose  a  piece  of  music 
wherein  is  such  beautiful  harmony  and  com- 
plete and  perfect  chords,  he  cannot  help  but  be 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  science,  and 
capable  of  imparting  it  to  others.  I  know  your 
first  question  would  be  if  I  were  talking  to  you, 
What's  the  news  ? 

Well,  as  usual,  New  Albany  is  deplorably 
wanting  in  that  article,  and  were  it  not  for 


34  A  True  Romance 

choir  rehearsals  and  musical  associations,  we 
would  become  almost  annihilated  with  "  En- 
nui "  or  in  other  words  (King's  English)  the 
blues.  You  have  of  course  heard  of  our  Han- 
del and  Haydn,  or  as  some  are  pleased  to 
dub  it  "  Spade  and  Handel."  Notwithstand- 
ing such  scandalous  name  it  has  so  far  proved 
a  most  pleasant  association.  Your  Aunt  Add 
has  become  safely  and  securely  installed  in 
her  new  house,  which,  although  I  have  not 
been  there,  I  hear  is  a  model  of  beauty, 
comfort  and  convenience;  it  ought  to  be,  I 
think  for  the  comfort  and  convenience  of  per- 
sons as  your  agreeable  Uncle  John,  Aunt  Add 
and  their  respective  children,  Emma  and  the 
cunning  little  Kiddie.  I  see  Minerva  Jones 
occasionally;  through  her  I  heard  your  in- 
quiries concerning  me  and  the  piece  of  music.* 
May  I  hope  for  a  speedy  answer  to  this  letter. 
I  wish  my  paper  was  longer  and  I  would  ask 

you  when  you  heard  from  your  friend  M 

A .    Would  you  tell  ? 

Yours  as  ever, 
Miss  CARRIE  W . 

*  "  A  piece  of  music  composed  and  dedicated  to  Nannie 
L.  Marsh  by  her  music  teacher.    From  J.  H.  Kappes." 


A  True  Romance  35 

Another  received  at  school : 

LOUISVILLE,  KY.,  1854. 
MY  DEAR  FRIEND  AND  COUSIN: 

Sallie  Miles  spent  a  few  days  over  to  our 
house  and  I  returned  home  with  her.  I  thought 
I  would  embrace  the  present  opportunity  of 
writing  you.  I  was  up  to  your  Aunt  Add's 
and  helped  fix  the  clothes.  Nan,  tell  me  did  you 
get  your  clothes?  How  did  you  like  them? 
Did  you  like  the  white  dress  and  did  it  fit  you 
well  ?  I  want  you  to  answer  all  my  questions 
immediately,  for  we  are  very  near  crazy  to 
know.  Nan,  let  me  describe  the  day  the  clothes 
were  sent.  Imagine  yourself  an  actor  there. 
First  Mrs.  Tucker  sewing  the  edging  on  the 
lining  of  your  white  dress  (after  I  had  gone  in 
the  store  and  turned  everything  topsy-turvy  to 
find  some  that  would  do),  second  Aunt  Add 
sitting  on  the  floor  singing,  Nancy  Till,  ironing 
your  white  bonnet,  Estelle  winding  the  ribbon 
around  her  waist,  and  then  cutting  the  paste 
board  slips  for  the  bonnet.  Aunt  Add  was 
ironing  and  me  trying  on  the  gaiters  and  inter- 
rupting Aunt  Add's  song  to  know  if  she  thinks 
they  will  fit  you.  At  last  the  box  is  packed  and 
sent  to  the  express  office,  and  I  am  almost 


36  A  True  Romance 

ready  to  cry  for  joy,  for  Nan,  if  you  only  knew 
how  much  trouble  I  had  with  them,  you  could 
not  blame  me  at  all.  Tell  me  how  you  liked 
the  gloves  and  handkerchiefs,  how  the  shoes 
fit,  and  all  about  it.  Nan,  show  Julia  the  post- 
mark and  make  her  believe  it  is  from  Frank. 
Direct  your  answer  home  as  usual.  All  are 
well. 

Your  cousin, 
SALLIE  R T. 

As  there  was  considerable  opposition  to 
Mark  Anthony  and  Nannie  Marsh's  continu- 
ing their  acquaintance  and  correspondence,  the 
following  letter  was  written  by  one  who  helped 
all  through  this  courtship  to  receive  letters  and 
notes,  and  slip  them  in  and  out  to  Miss  Marsh 
while  she  was  a  veritable  prisoner  at  her 
Aunt's. 

NEW  ALBANY,  January,  1855. 

To  MARK  ANTHONY, 

MY  FRIEND  : 

Although  I  deem  myself  unworthy  to  be 
called  thy  friend,  yet  I  fain  would  make  amend- 
ments in  the  future,  for  the  past.  Procrasti- 
nation is  truly  the  thief  of  time,  or  at  least  I 
have  found  it  so.  I  intended  to  have  answered 


A  True  Romance  37 

your  long  and  interesting  letter  ere  this,  but 
negligence  and  things  prevented  me.  I  sup- 
pose you  have  often  heard  of  my  illness,  as  I 
hear  you  have  quite  a  number  of  correspond- 
ents in  our  city,  of  which  I  hope  are  all  my 
friends  as  truly  as  I  am  theirs.  I  have  no  rea- 
son to  complain  and  especially  of  the  gentle- 
men, as  they  proved  themselves  to  be  more  than 
summer  friends  to  me.  My  illness  has  been  of 
a  protracted  nature,  yet  I  do  not  allow  myself 
but  seldom  to  get  low  spirited,  and  why  should 
I  when  I  look  around  me  and  see  the  number 
who  have  been  confined  to  a  sick  room  for 
weeks.  And  now  I  suppose  you  are  anxiously 
waiting  to  hear  something  about  Nannie. 
Well,  she  did  not  arrive  when  I  was  expecting, 
her;  nor,  when  she  expected  to  return;  reasons 
I  do  not  know.  She  will  be  home  next  Wednes- 
day as  I  mentioned  to  you  in  a  note,  if  you  re- 
ceived it,  that  there  has  been  but  little  said 
between  Nannie  and  self  for  fear  of  displeas- 
ing those  who  are  opposed;  neither  have  I  de- 
livered the  presents  *  yet  that  are  in  my  pos- 


*  Wedding  ring  and  picture  as  I  learned  of  late  years 
she  had  to  wear  the  wedding  ring  around  her  neck  to  keep 
her  aunt  from  seeing  it. 


38  A  True  Romance 

session;  as  I  thought  best  to  retain  them  till 
she  arrives  home.  Then  she  shall  receive  them, 
and  as  far  as  I  remember  the  messages  which 
were  left  for  her.  And  now,  Mark,  for  fear  I 
forget,  I  wish  to  inform  you  that  after  Nannie 
arrives  home  I  am  not  going  to  have  anything 
to  do  with  this  subject.  But  never  mind  now, 
by  the  time  I  get  an  answer  to  this  Nannie  will 
be  home  and  then  I  will  know  more  about  the 
state  of  her  feeling  towards  you  and  judge 
what  to  do  for  the  best.  We  none  can  read  the 
future,  no  not  one  except  our  Heavenly  Father. 
It  is  separated  from  us  by  a  dark  and  impene- 
trable veil  which  beyond  we  cannot  gaze,  and  is 
it  not  a  blessing  that  it  was  so  ordained  that 
we  cannot  read  our  future  destiny,  for  perhaps 
we  might  tremble  at  the  thought;  whilst  only 
now  a  few  dark  clouds  are  scattered  here  and 
there  to  darken  our  sunny  pathway  which  soon, 
very  soon,  vanish,  and  in  their  stead  are  seen 
happy,  joyous  sunbeams;  causing  the  unhappy 
past  to  be  forgotten.  If  I  understand  the 
meaning  of  those  dark  clouds  which  sometimes 
often  appear  it  is  to  call  us  to  do  our  duty,  to 
teach  us  what  we  are;  for  there  is  but  one  way, 
and  narrow  it  is,  that  leads  to  happiness.  We 


A  True  Romance  39 

are  left  to  choose  our  way;  there  is  no  com- 
pulsion to  make  us  select  the  right  or  wrong. 
I  cannot  tell  you  how  to  bring  the  time  nearer 
when  you  can  call  her  your  own;  it  is  not  in 
my  power.  But  wait  patiently.  It  will  all 
work  out  for  the  best.  I  hope,  Mark,  you  will 
forgive  me  for  prolonging  this  paragraph  to 
such  a  length.  I  have  enjoyed  myself  finely, 
taking  into  consideration  my  indisposition,  but 
still  that  does  not  altogether  prevent  me  en- 
joying myself.  I  am  still  gay  and  lively  as 
ever  and  have  spent  several  evenings  lately 
with  the  doctor,  and  I  need  not  tell  you  how 
much  I  enjoyed  myself  in  his  society,  as  you 
are  well  aware  how  lively  he  is.  Just  the  kind 
of  company  that  pleases  me;  the  doctor  is  a 
particular  favorite  of  mine,  although  I  am  de- 
prived of  his  society  at  home — you  know  the 
reasons.  I  considered  it  all  a  joke  and  passed 
the  evening  very  pleasantly;  and  regret  that  he 
cannot  visit  me,  provided  he  wished  to.  And 
now  consider  this  a  friendly  letter,  although  it 
is  rather  lengthy  and  far  from  being  interest- 
ing. As  you  are  a  friend  of  mine  I  know  you 
will  look  over  all  errors  and  bad  writing.  Re- 
member to  answer  immediately,  and  believe  me 


40  A  True  Romance 

ever  to  be  your  true  friend.     My  compliments 
to  self  and  all  inquiring  friends. 

MINERVA  T.  J. 

Some  of  Mark  Anthony's  letters  to  Miss 
Nannie  L.  Marsh: 

ii  April,  '55. 
DEAR  NANNIE: 

I  wrote  you  last  from  Napoleon  under 
cover  to  our  mutual  friend  Miss  Minerva 
which  should  be  at  hand  long  ere  this.  Of 
that  date  we  ascended  the  Arkansas  river  with 
but  a  faint  hope  of  getting  our  destination. 
Sadly  and  truly  was  that  idea  realized.  The 
next  day  were  compelled  to  lay  by  for  want  of 
water.  In  a  wilderness,  no  human  creature 
having  a  habitation  within  miles  of  us,  so  we 
were  lonely  and  desolate,  no  facilities  to  even 
procure  the  most  coarse  and  humble  necessi- 
ties of  life,  hence  we  were  compelled  to  hunt 
and  fish  for  a  maintenance;  not  a  solitary  pas- 
senger on  board,  and  all  gloomy,  disappointed 
and  lonely,  cut  off  from  those  sacred  ties  of 
family,  friendship  and  society,  and  this  seems 
ever  to  be  the  marked  fate  of  the  river  charac- 
ter. Truly,  dear  Nannie,  we  are  through  cir- 


A  True  Romance  41 

cumstances  and  destiny  scattered  over  the  wild 
waste  of  waters  to  be  tossed  by  every  fickle 
wind  and  wave.  But  hope  buffets  the  threaten- 
ing storm,  and  yet  points  me  to  the  laurels  of 
bliss  so  long  as  I  retain  thy  young,  pure  and 
lasting  affection.  So,  like  the  brave  and  trusty 
of  old  will  I  nobly  endeavor  to  struggle  through 
these  trials  which  might  crush  many  men,  and 
live  for  thy  present  and  future  prosperity  and 
happiness  alone.  Now,  my  dear  Nannie,  do 
not  deem  me  weak  or  superstitious.  But  your 
Daguerrean  picture,  the  ideal  of  all  I  hold 
dear  and  sacred  on  earth,  save  yourself  the  full 
and  perfect  embodiment  of  reality,  is  nearest 
my  heart  by  day  to  be  the  talisman  which  shall 
guide  my  erring  footsteps  unhesitatingly  firm 
through  all  the  temptations  and  vicissitudes  of 
life,  and  by  night  under  my  pillow,  the  bright, 
hallowed  oracle  that  will  bring  to  my  dreams 
joy  and  peace.  Oh,  Nannie,  in  solitary's  lonely 
hour — for  without  the  smile  of  thy  bright 
countenance  and  the  council  of  thy  wisdom  all 
time  seems  lonely — God  grant  that  the  day  is 
not  far  distant  when  we  shall  meet  face  to  face, 
then  will  this  wildly  throbbing  joyous  heart  un- 
bosom itself  and  tell  more  than  feeble  thoughts 


42  A  True  Romance 

on  paper  can  now  essay.  So  live  Nannie,  in 
the  confidence  of  this  assurance  for  yourself 
and  me  and  not  for  the  opinion  of  a  cold,  un- 
grateful world,  who  neither  know  nor  can  ap- 
preciate our  high  resolves  or  noble  purposes. 
"  Thy  mind  the  music  breathing  from  thy  face." 
The  idea  of  this  quotation,  suggested  from  the 
memory  I  hold  of  thee,  Nannie,  and  not  from 
imagination  for  faithful  remembrance.  That 
mirror  which  affliction  often  dashes  to  the  earth, 
and  in  looking  down  upon  the  shattered  frag- 
ments only  beholds  the  reflection  multiplied. 
Hence,  my  dear  Nannie,  it  is  thus  I  think  of 
thee  while  others  would  wish  to  poison  your 
mind  against  me,  and  in  mentioning  these  few 
words  on  a  subject  on  which  all  persons  are 
supposed  to  be  fluent  and  none  very  agreeable, 
you  must  pardon  the  weakness,  Nannie,  for  our 
sakes.  I  have  been  patient  to  those  who  know 
not  my  motives,  nor  the  acts  that  prompt  them, 
and  will  be  so  yet  for  thy  sake.  I  have  forgot- 
ten all  I  would  not  forget,  yet  that  sweet  virtue 
revive  a  generous  feeling  in  my  soul  to  forgive 
all  those  who  would  bid  me  dwell  afar  off  from 
thee.  Go  where  I  will,  be  what  I  may,  thou 
art  to  me  the  same,  a  loved  one  which  I  cannot 


A  True  Romance  43 

resign.  A  world  to  roam  through,  and  a  home 
with  thee,  the  first  were  a  mere  bauble;  had  I 
still  the  last  it  would  be  the  acme  of  my  happi- 
ness. For  thee,  my  own  sweet  Nannie,  in  thy 
heart  and  soul  I  feel  myself  secure  as  thou  shall 
ever  be  in  mine,  creatures  who  nearer  each 
other  can  yield  up  the  same  together  or  far  dis- 
tant. From  my  first  acquaintance  to  this  hour 
which  entwined  our  hearts  together  appreciated 
thee,  and  let  Death,  weal  or  woe  come  soon  or 
late,  that  tie  which  linked  me  with  you  shall 
endure  forever.  Oh,  Nannie,  that  thou  wert 
with  me  in  this  hour.  But  why  did  I  become 
the  fool  of  my  own  wishes,  knowing  at  present 
they  cannot  be  realized,  yet  it  would  cause  me 
to  forget  the  solitude  which  now  pervades  my 
spirit.  I  am  not  usually  of  the  plaintive  mood, 
but  at  times  feel  a  decline  in  my  philosophy,  as 
now  the  tear  glitters  in  moistened  eye,  what 
has  been  the  great  sin  or  weakness  which  has 
caused  those  of  your  family  to  endeavor  to 
blot  out  of  your  heart  and  memory  the  interest 
you  have  for  me  and  make  us  strangers  unto 
each  other.  It  was  not  so  once,  previous  to  the 
knowledge  of  our  mutual  affection,  and  even  on 
your  first  arrival  from  Georgetown  last  July. 


44  A  True  Romance 

I  think  your  aunt  Mrs.  W d  had  sent  for 

me  and  stated  that  a  favorite  niece  of  hers  had 
just  got  "  Home,"  to  whom  she  wished  to 
introduce  me.  Now,  my  dear  Nannie,  there 
seems  to  be  an  inconsistency  in  the  acts  which 
followed  so  short  a  time  afterwards,  when  she 
began  to  discern  there  was  an  attachment  form- 
ing between  us,  when  I  prior  to  this  event  was 
at  all  time  a  welcomed  guest  to  the  full  com- 
munion of  her  hospitality  and  kindness,  and 
hope  to  be  hereafter  when,  a  revolution  of  cir- 
cumstances takes  place  and  other  persons  and 
time  will  do  justice  to  character.  Perhaps  one 
of  my  greatest  sins  is  that  of  poverty,  in  being 
so  presumptuous  as  to  asking  your  hand  and 
heart. 

Thank  God  I  have  some  characteristics  which 
are  above  the  grovelling,  sordid  impulse  of 
wealth  which  will  outlive  sordid  gold,  for  in 
the  language  of  Holy  Writ  lay  not  up  that  for 
which  thieves  break  through  and  steal  and 
moth  doth  corrupt,  but  trust  that  in  the  com- 
mon course  of  life,  should  I  meet  with  that 
honorable  pursuit  to  be  able  to  at  least  provide 
comfortably  for  those  who  may  trust  their  des- 
tiny in  my  keeping.  This,  Nannie,  has  been  an 


A  True  Romance  45 

unpleasant  theme  for  me  to  discourse  you  upon. 
I  have' done;  this  subject  will  never  again  be 
reverted  to  by  me  and  hope  you  will  pardon  this 
occasion.  Although  I  may  not  yet  go  un- 
scathed, these  lips  shall  be  mute,  this  hand  pal- 
sied ever  to  raise  again  in  my  defence  or  their 
unkindness.  All  is  over  on  this  score,  let  the 
world  say  what  it  may., 

"  Here  is  a  sigh  to  those  who  love  me  and  a 
smile  to  those  who  hate : — " 

Yours, 

ANTHONY. 

ST.  BT.  LUCY  ROBINSON, 

May  18,  1855. 

This  brief  note  will  be  handed  you  by  our 
good  friend  Miss  Minerva.  In  addressing  you 
this  the  third  time,  and  the  two  former  unan- 
swered, I  am  at  a  loss  what  to  say  that  would 
be  of  interest  beyond  that  I  am  yet  in  the  wil- 
derness, in  good  health  though  poor  in  spirit, 
and  live  alone  and  bear  with  life  to  think  and 
pray  for  you.  In  the  last,  the  longest  and  most 
gloomy  letter,  I  have  written  you,  be  pleased, 
Nannie,  to  forgive  the  weakness  and  the  sorrow 
it  dwelt  upon,  for  your  heart  is  already  sur- 


46  A  True  Romance 

charged  with  troubles  enough  without  my 
writing  that  which  would  still  add  to  that 
poignant  and  holy  affliction.  Though  it  was 
the  outpouring  of  a  heart  and  soul  that  could 
find  no  relief  but  in  sending  forth  its  errands 
of  mercy  and  forgiveness.  I  threw  my  fingers 
hurriedly  over  heart  strings  and  would  fain 
bring  forth  tones  of  melancholy  beauty  that 
might  die  away  upon  chords  of  sweetness  and 
find  an  echo  in  thy  soul.  The  last  two  letters  to 
Miss  Minerva  were  the  poorest  and  most  mis- 
erable attempts  to  send  to  a  lady  of  mind  and 
education  I  have  ever  been  guilty  of.  So  you, 
dear  Nannie,  will  excuse  me  to  her  by  saying, 
for  the  future  I  will  endeavor  to  do  better. 
In  addressing  you,  Nannie,  I  don't  feel  quite  so 
punctilious.  Etymology  and  I  look  for  rather 
more  charity  and  less  criticism.  I  always 
write  hastily  upon  the  impulse  of  the  moment 
and  rarely  punctuate.  On  my  arrival  at  New 
Orleans,  if  we  ever  do  get  out  of  this  river, 
I  design  having  another  Daguerrean  picture 
taken — it  will  please  you  better  than  the  one 
you  have.  If  perfectly  agreeable,  my  dear 
Nannie,  have  yours  taken  in  any  manner  that 


A  True  Romance  47 

may  suit  your  own  good  taste  and  judgment  as 
regards  style  of  dress  or  harmony  of  colors. 
By  the  by,  I  want  to  know  if  your  suit  of  hair — 
that  auburn  hair — has  grown  massy  and  long, 
and  if  your  height  has  not  increased.  Nannie, 
no  doubt  you  laugh  at  this  idle  curiosity.  I 
ask  all  the  foolish  questions  simply  for  amuse- 
ment, it  is  so  natural  for  me  to  be  inquisitive, 
not  for  a  moment  that  I  would  have  you  one 
jot  or  tittle  taller,  for  everything  pertaining  to 
your  mental  and  physical  nature  is  perfect,  and 
would  not  have  you  otherwise  lest  it  was  the 
decree  of  Providence.  I  trust  your  family  are 
all  well,  they  have  my  best  wishes.  What  will 
be  the  destination  of  our  boat  when  out  of  the 
river  I  know  not.  She  may  be  ladened  with 
cargo  and  bright  hopes  for  your  city.  Hope 
you  have  written  my  sister  at  St.  Louis.  It 
would  afford  her  much  pleasure  to  correspond 
with  you.  My  dear  Nannie,  answer  this  note 
immediately  and  hand  it  to  our  best  friend  Miss 
Minerva.  Of  this  date  I  have  written  Dr. 
Flacke  and  Mr.  Seabrook,  either  one  or  the 

other  will  wait  upon  Miss  M and  get  her 

letter  and  place  under  cover  to  me  as  they  have 


48  A  True  Romance 

the  instructions  where  to  address.  God  bless 
you  and  may  heaven's  protecting  power  watch 
over  you. 

Yours  with  affection  forever, 

ANTHONY. 

Her  aunt  forbids  her  writing  him. 

NEW  ALBANY,  IND.,  June  9,  1855. 

DEAR  MARK  : 

I  have  no  doubt  that  by  this  time  you  have 
given  up  all  hope  of  ever  hearing  from  me 
more,  but  when  you  hear  my  excuse  you  will 
be  fully  convinced  that  it  has  not  been  because 
you  were  forgotten,  and  I  hope  to  be  forgiven, 
as  you  think,  for  my  negligence. 

You  are  aware  that  my  Aunt  Add  has  many 
objections  to  you,  and  has  said  there  should  be 
no  correspondence  between  us,  and  has  par- 
tially extracted  a  promise  from  me  not  to  write, 
but  for  all  that  I  intend  to  do  just  as  my  heart 
dictates  no  matter  if  they  think  it  may  be 
wrong.  I  was  more  than  happy  at  the  recep- 
tion of  your  note,  and  assure  you.  dear  Mark, 
that  nothing  in  this  vain  and  fickle  world  could 
be  more  gratifying  than  in  hearing  from  you. 


A  True  Romance  49 

I  have  been  but  a  short  time  from  Georgetown 
and  am  not  contented  now,  because  one  is 
missed  from  the  circle  and  really  I  believe  that 
during  my  stay  at  school  was  the  most  unhappy 
period  of  my  life.  I  was  greatly  disappointed  at 
finding  the  boat  was  not  running  the  upper 
trade,  as  I  expected  on  my  return  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  you  often;  and  Minerva, 
under  the  circumstances,  was  fearful  of  even 
mentioning  your  name  in  our  correspondence. 
I  have  been  waiting  patiently  for  your  answer  to 
Minerva's  letter,  though  never  dreaming  it  con- 
tained a  note  for  me,  which  shall  be  promptly 
answered,  to  the  best  of  my  ability,  though  I 
confess  I  do  not  expect  my  letters  to  prove  very 
interesting.  Well,  I  am  at  loss  to  know  what 
to  say,  but  why,  Mark,  have  you  reason  to 
doubt  my  constancy,  as  you  wish  to  know  if 
you  are  "  remembered  or  forgotten."  Never 
fear  that  I  should  prove  false  although  there  is 
one  daily  striving  to  succeed  in  making  me  dis- 
like you,  but  to  no  avail.  The  ring  would  be 
accepted  with  pleasure,  but  you  know  it  could 
not  be  worn  without  being  quickly  perceived, 
and  is  now  under  Minerva's  charge,  but  the 
Daguerreotype  is  safe  and  in  my  care.  I  live 


50  A  True  Romance 

in  hopes  of  seeing  you  ere  long,  as  I  understand 
the  boat  intends  making  a  trip  to  our  city  in  a 
few  weeks  and  I  hope  to  be  situated  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  have  an  interview,  as  I  contem- 
plate boarding  with  Aunt  Sarah  where  I  shall 
be  more  free  to  act  according  to  my  own  judg- 
ment. I  shall  expect  an  answer  soon  and  tell 
me  when  you  intend  returning.  Accept  the 
renewed  assurance  of  my  affection  as  I  shall 
always  remain 

Your  own 

NANNIE. 

ST.  BT.  LUCY  ROBINSON, 
NAPOLEON,  June  22,  1855. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

Your  long  looked  for  and  welcome  letter 
came  to  hand  this  day  under  cover  from  our 
mutual  friend  Miss  Minerva.  It  has  seemed  an 
age  since  I  last  received  one  and  hence  it  was 
doubly  accepted.  I  had  almost  thought  you 
had  forgotten  me.  The  reflection  was  harsh, 
ungenerous,  and  made  mention  of  in  my  last 
to  Minerva,  under  the  impulse  of  the  moment, 
for  I  was  aggrieved  in  not  hearing  from  you, 
and  would  have  given  worlds  a  moment  after- 


A  True  Romance  51 

ward.  Had  it  not  been  said  you  must  forgive 
me,  Nannie,  for  I  knew  in  the  honesty  of  my 
heart  you  had  not  forgotten  me.  Doubtless  the 
remark  wounded  your  feelings  at  the  time,  but 
let  it  pass  and  be  buried  in  forgetfulness.  We 
have  been  over  a  month  at  this  desolate,  lonely 
place.  Oh,  Nannie,  how  my  heart  yearned  to 
see  you.  I  was  tempted  to  go  to  New  Albany 
several  times,  but  could  not  tell  what  moment 
the  river  might  rise,  for  I  was  deprived  that  trip 
to  Louisville  this  winter.  As  for  conjecturing 
when  I  may  visit  your  city  is  at  present  beyond 
my  power.  It  may  be  in  a  few  months,  it  may 
be  never.  The  hopes  of  this  transitory  life  are 
so  uncertain,  yet  with  the  will  of  Providence, 
who  rules  our  destiny,  I  trust  to  see  you  soon, 
and  meet  to  part  no  more.  Then,  my  dear 
Nannie,  will  I  unbosom  my  heart  and  soul  and 
lay  bare  its  hidden  thoughts,  secrets  and  treas- 
ures and  find  a  consolation  in  knowledge  of 
those  joys,  that  the  cold  unfeeling  world  know 
not  of.  Oh,  dear  Nannie,  why  are  the  fates 
thus  cruel  with  us ;  why  do  they  pour  their  vials 
of  wrath  on  my  devoted  head  and  say  I  shall 
not  see  thee.  Rest  fond  one,  rest  patiently, 
until  I  come  in  July  or  August.  I  will  set  all 


52  A  True  Romance 

things  to  right.  I  will  be  in  New  Albany  by 
that  time  whether  the  boat  comes  or  not.  On 
our  last  trip  at  New  Orleans  I  was  frequently 
with  your  Uncle  Alfred.  I  had  but  a  short 
conversation  relative  to  ourselves.  He  is  on  our 
behalf  all  right.  I  hope,  Nannie,  that  you  will 
make  arrangements  so  as  to  board  with  your 
Aunt  Sarah,  then  you  will  be  somewhat  beyond 
the  control  of  Aunt  Add,  and  more  at  liberty  to 
act  in  accordance  with  dictates  of  your  heart. 

Mrs.  W d  seems  uncompromising  towards 

me,  wanting  that  one  sweet  "weakness  to  for- 
give, yet  I  know  of  nothing  whereby  to  claim 
her  pardon,  doing  no  evil,  claim  not  the  charity 
of  her  silence.  For  to  all  vice;  yet  hardly  vir- 
tue's friend,  for  virtue  pardons  those  she  would 
amend.  But  for  the  love  I  bear  and  still  must 
bear,  I  will  endure  everything  for  your  sake, 
Nannie,  though  it  is  painful  and  mortifying 
to  a  sensitive  and  proud  spirit.  Dear  Nannie, 
I  write  more  in  detail  again  soon;  the  boat  is 
about  leaving  Napoleon.  Write  soon  and  at 
this  place,  so  I  can  get  it  on  our  down  trip. 
Good  bye..  God  bless  you  and  may  the  benig- 
nant powers  watch  and  protect  thee  is  my  prayer 
night  and  day.  Excuse  all  errors  in  this  note; 


A  True  Romance  53 

it  was  written  in  4^  minutes  and  I  scarcely 
knew  what  I  said  or  how  I  punctuated.  That 
is  no  matter;  in  my  next  I  trust  to  have  more 
time  to  comment  more  worthily  for  you,  I 
myself.  Adieu. 

Yours  faithfully  forever, 

MARK. 
(Destroy  this.) 

WEDNESDAY  MORNING. 

ST'M'R  SULTANA. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE: 

Grief  like  ours  has  almost  snatched  the 
little  joy  which  life  hath  yet  to  lend.  But 
hope  in  the  last  dark  hour,  with  all  its  sweet 
promises  and  smiles,  stands  forth  like  a  mes- 
senger from  heaven  and  says  Be  of  good  cheer, 
for  all  shall  yet  be  well.  Last  evening-  I  took 
tea  at  Mr.  Seabrook,  Sr.,  and  afterwards  vis- 
ited your  Aunt  Sarah's  and  had  a  long  conver- 
sation with  Harriet,  Mark,*  Estelle  and  all. 

They  are  very  indignant  at  Mrs.  C 1,  Mrs. 

J.,  K.  W.  and  others.    Harriet  says,  those  men- 


*  This  Mark  Anthony  is  a  cousin  of  Miss  Marsh. 
Same  name  as  Mr.  Anthony  but  no  kin.  Often  men- 
tioned. 


54  A  True  Romance 

tioned,  she  never  can  forgive  for  their  inhu- 
manity and  base  treatment  towards  us,  Nannie. 
Mrs.  Anthony  (her  aunt)  is  much  troubled 
about  your  imprisonment  and  the  inhuman 
treatment  of  your  present  position  and  fre- 
quently wishes  you  were  any  other  place  than 
where  you  are,  and  says  the  only  way  to  settle 
matters  and  find  a  way  out  of  these  unhappy 
and  troublesome  wrecks  to  raise  in  and  cease 
this  war  is  for  us  to  get  married  as  soon  as 
possible,  for  Harriet  says  the  affair  will  be  no 
better  in  two  years  or  ten  years.  I  echo  the 
same  sentiment  and  know  you  do  also,  Nannie. 
This  trip  down  I  will  do  everything  to  get  the 
license  so  on  my  return  we  can  consummate 
that  mutual  wish  which  with  me  is  all  I  hope 
or  live  for  on  this  earth,  so  the  sooner  the 
better,  for,  Nannie,  I  cannot  endure  the  an- 
guish of  your  remaining  long  in  a  position  or 
circumstances  which  now  surround  you.  It  is 
too  hard  for  your  already  crushed  and  troubled 
heart  and  soul  to  bear.  Mark  will  arrange 
everything  to  get  you  away,  so  soon  as  we  get 
the  documents  right,  in  order  that  there  may 
be  no  afterclap  to  foil  our  purpose,  and  may 
the  blessing  of  heaven  attend  us.  Endeavor, 


A  True  Romance  55 

my  dear  Nannie,  endeavor  to  rest  in  quiet 
until  that  bright  and  best  .hour  singled  out  from 
time  shall  arrive.  It  shall  be  late  before  the 
brave  and  those  who  have  justice  on  their  side 
despair.  I  sent  you  yesterday,  through  Mark, 
a  present,  but  learned  last  evening  you  had  not 
received  it.  Your  Aunt  Sarah  has  it  for  safe 
keeping,  sad  fatality  that  you  cannot  with 
prudence  receive  it  now.  But  no  matter,  Nan- 
nie, there  will  be  a  time  ere  long  when  you  shall 
win  and  wear  it  proudly  without  fear  or  favor 
in  my  behalf  and  in  the  sweet  remembrance  of 
one  who  until  the  latest  time  will  endeavor 
never  to  demerit  the  holy  trust  of  the  giver  or 
the  recipient  which  prompted  the  gentle,  affec- 
tionate motive.  It  seems,  Nannie,  as  though 
we  will  be  denied  the  high  privilege  of  having 
an  interview  during  my  stay  this  time.  But  let 
it  go;  we  shall  soon  meet  when  the  vile  faction 
shall  be  powerless  to  every  law  of  God  and  man 
to  put  asunder  those  whom  fate  and  destiny 
have  created  for  each  other,  of  every  feeling 
of  heart,  soul  and  passion,  that  ever  pervaded 
earth-born  creatures,  yet  Nannie,  they  would 
torture  you  until  link  after  link  is  unloosed 
which  bound  up  the  heart  in  its  first  and  purest 


56  A  True  Romance 

throbbings  and  thus  wear  out  the  pleasures  of 
the  world  and  sap  at  length  the  springs  of  life. 
But,  thank  God,  you  have  too  much  heroism 
and  high  purpose  to  attain  to  be  thus  influ- 
enced by  their  petty  intrigues  and  vile  asper- 
sions. Let  them  reign  or  multiply  themselves 
and  misery  and  wretchedness.  For  what  else 
have  they  made.  Were  their  will  supreme  this 
fair  earth  with  all  its  fair  flowers  and  noble 
aspirations  would  be  withered  and  blasted. 

Mrs.   W d's  tyranny  and  ambition   is  to 

rule  or  ruin;  and  in  this  instance  she  has  failed 
to  rule,  so  she  would  now  wish  to  ruin  every 
hope  and  joy  which  you  lived  for  to  attain  her 
ends.  But,  thank  God,  Nannie,  with  your  ac- 
quiescence, here  are  two  beings  over  whom  she 
cannot  cast  her  withering  influence.  Never  can 
I  without  doing  violence  to  every  principle  of 
right  and  retribution  forgive  or  forget  her 
treatment  so  contemptuously  recreant  to  every 
tie  of  blood,  sympathy  and  kindred  which 
should  have  otherwise  adorned  her  nature.  But 
all  are  not  human  that  wear  that  form.  As  for 
myself,  Nannie,  her  shafts  of  malice  fall  harm- 
less at  my  feet,  but  may  ere  long  turn  upon 
herself  with  keen  remorse. 


A  True  Romance  57 

Wednesday  Evening. 

I  have  just  returned  from  your  Aunt  Sarah's. 
Mark  and  I  are  at  the  Depauvv  House  discuss- 
ing the  best  merits  of  our  case,  yet  it  is  a  sub- 
ject which  all  persons  arc  fluent,  but  few 
agreeable.  As  for  Mrs.  W d  have  no  mer- 
its of  her  own  to  speak  of,  so  words  on  that 
score  are  idle,  and  even  reflection  vainer  still.  • 

Nannie,  God  bless  you.  Oh,  how  my 
troubled  spirit  yearns  to  be  with  you  at  this 
moment,  but  it  seems  it  cannot  be.  Write  a 
note  to  me  if  possible.  I  have  a  lady  friend 
who  will  call  upon  you  and  get  it  to-morrow. 
Met  Miss  M.  Jones  at  Aunt  Sarah's  last  eve- 
ning. She  said,  Mark,  if  there  is  anything  I 
can  do  to  serve  you  or  Nannie,  I  will  if  I  am 
thrust  out  of  the  house  the  next  instant.  Cap- 
tain Bently  is  agoing  to  depart  to-morrow  eve- 
ning, Friday,  the  I4th  inst.  I  will  write  you 
under  cover  to  D.  C.  Anthony,  who  has  kindly 
volunteered  to  hand  you  this  note  and  all  others 
that  I  may  send  you.  He  can  with  more  impu- 
nity call  to  see  you  than  many  others,  so,  Nan- 
nie, don't  fail  to  write  me  soon ;  have  the  letter 
all  fixed  up  so  at  the  earliest  and  best  oppor- 
tunity you  can  get  it  to  him.  May  the  benig- 


58  A  True  Romance 

nant  powers  watch  over,  protect  and  sustain 
you  in  this  dark  hour. 

And  believe  yours  forever,  faithfully, 

ANTHONY. 

NEW  ALBANY,  IND. 
MY  DEAR  MARK  : 

This  brief  note  is  to  assure  you  there  is  no 
change  in  my  feelings  and  never  will  be  through 
the  influence  of  others.  I  had  hoped  to  see  you 
before  you  departed,  but  I  think  it  all  the  best, 
as  perhaps  it  would  have  caused  another  dis- 
turbance which  could  have  been  no  greater. 

Mrs.  W d  has  done  me  an  injury  that  I  can 

never  overlook;  it  has  been  made  known  to 
Aunt  Sarah  about  your  visit  here  on  Sunday 
night  and  she  seemed  pleased  to  think  that  you 
would  come  to  me  and  vindicate  your  own 
character.  Pa  has  not  yet  come  for  me  and  I 
believe  will  not.  I  called  on  Minerva  yesterday 
for  some  notes  she  still  retained  to  show  to  Pa, 
that  you,  my  dear  Mark,  have  been  greatly 

wronged  by  no  one  but  Mrs.  W d.    I  hope 

that  he  may  be  convinced,  but  not  much  matter 
now  if  not,  so  long  as  I  am  so  well  assured  of 
your  lasting  affection  for  me.  If  I  am  not  taken 


A  True  Romance  59 

from  Aunt  Acid's  by  the  next  trip  of  the  boat, 
you,  my  dear  Mark,  are  allowed  the  privilege  of 
seeing  me,  as  Pa  shall  exact  no  promise.  It 
would  be  a  pleasure  for  me  to  visit  your  sister 
and  will,  if  possible,  under  the  circumstances. 
Good  bye,  dear  Mark.  Let  me  hear  from  you 
as  soon  as  possible- 

Yours  as  ever, 

NANNIE. 

ON  B'RD  ST'M'R  SULTANA. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

The  pleasure  of  meeting  you  with  our  friends 
upon  the  occasion  of  last  evening  was  beyond 
what  I  had  hoped  for,  but  in  the  sad  pilgrimage 
of  life  which  for  a  long  time  we  have  been  com- 
pelled to  journey  over,  there  will  at  times, 
through  the  interposition  of  fate,  some  bright, 
sunny  spots  loom  up  in  our  pathway  like  an 
oasis  in  the  desert,  to  cheer  us  to  a  goal  of  a 
still  better  destiny;  and  the  first  one  for  many 
months  threw  its  gratifying  influence  over  us 
last  night,  and  my  heart  was  so  full  that  the 
tongue  failed  to  perform  its  duty  and  syllable 
forth  what  it  otherwise  would  have  done  under 
less  exciting  influence.  Suffice  to  say  I  was 


60  A  True  Romance 

more  than  recompensed,  and  trust  that  commu- 
nion may  not  create  the  difficulty  which  has 
heretofore  taken  place,  thereby  causing  your 
heart  to  bleed  afresh  from  wounds  which  I  had 
hoped  in  a  measure  had  healed.  But,  dear  Nan- 
nie, the  best  and  purest  virtues  of  this  life  are 
like  the  grape  which  must  be  crushed  ere  they 
yield  their  worth.  Even  gold  becomes  more  re- 
fined after  passing  through  the  crucible,  and 
thus,  dear  Nannie,  will  our  hopes,  our  affec- 
tions, be  tested  and  more  purified  by  these 
many  trials  which  we  have  ?lready  passed 
through,  and  yet  may  have  more.  God  forbid. 
But  hope,  hope  on.  It  is  the  bright  particular 
star  before  whose  cheering  rays  the  cares  of 
life  are  endured  even  to  the  last.  As  yet  I  am 
unable  to  say  whether  the  boat  will  get  off  to- 
night. If  so,  I  may  not  have  the  pleasure  of 
meeting  you  until  my  return,  and  let  me  speak 
of  all  that  I  have  ever  felt,  and  dream  of  it  in 
my  tears,  for  I  have  loved  you  with  an  affec- 
tion which  common  mortality  cannot  possess, 
and  into  every  feeling  of  life  there  purely  came 
a  thought  that  we  might  never  part.  I  never 
gazed  on  heaven  above  without  a  prayer  to  bless 


A  True  Romance  61 

thy  existence.  There  is  no  ill  which  for  thy 
sake  would  not  be  welcomed,  nor  no  force  nor 
circumstance  cause  me  with  your  love  to  part. 
Good  bye;  it  is  the  heart's  farewell,  but  only 
for  a  time.  Should  the  packet  lay  over  until 
morning  I  will  visit  your  city  and  attend  the 
Presbyterian  church.  Keep  sister  Annie  with 
you  and  take  her  also  to  church.  Remember  me 
to  all.  I  must  set  my  seal  on  this  sheet,  for 
here  comes  business  to  attend  to.  Would  say 
more  but  time  prevents. 

Yours  as  ever, 

ANTHONY. 

Once  and  only  once  let  me  speak 

Of  all  that  I  have  felt  for  years; 
You  read  it  not  upon  my  cheek, 

You  dreamed  not  of  it  in  my  tears. 
And  yet  I  loved  thee  with  a  love 

That  unto  every  feeling  purely  came. 
I  never  looked  on  heaven  above 

Without  a  prayer  to  bless  thy  name. 
There  is  no  shape  that  pain  could  take, 

No  ill  that  would  not  welcomed  be 
If  suffered  but  for  thy  dear  sake. 

But  they  must  be  unshared  by  thee. 


62  A  True  Romance 

And  yet  we  part  this  very  hour, 

Oh !  only  if  my  beating  heart 
Could  break  for  both,  there  is  no  power 

Could  force  me  with  your  love  to  part. 
Farewell,  'tis  the  heart's  farewell, 

My  summer  shine  of  love  past  o'er, 
Only  the  keen  pang  of  death  can  tell 

That  of  the  words,  we  meet  no  more. 

ST'M'R  SULTANA, 
Tuesday,  5  o'clock  p.  m. 
MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

I  will  be  unable  to  visit  your  city  this  eve- 
ning, and  perhaps  not  have  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing you  once  again  ere  my  departure.  I  must 
see  sister  Henrietta.  She  loves  me  much,  and 
at  times  thinks  it  hard  I  don't  spend  more  time 
with  her.  But  were  it  not  for  yourself,  my 
dear  Nannie,  I  would  visit  her  more  frequently. 
But  my  heart  and  soul  fondly  turn  to  thee  first, 
and  Mrs.  Ladd  and  Annie  afterwards.  I  think 
and  hope  after  my  departure  your  father  will 
not  determine  on  taking  you  to  his  house.  I 
would  wish  to  say  home.  Tis  a  mockery  and 
idle  word.  So  let  it  go.  Mark,  Jr.,  has  kindly 
visited  me  to-day  and  I  thank  him  gratefully 


A  True  Romance  63 

for  the  act.  You,  Nannie,  Estelle  and  Mrs. 
Anthony,  endeavor,  if  you  can  make  it  con- 
venient, to  spend  a  day  or  two  with  sister 
Henrietta.  It  will  gratify  her  much,  and  you 
will  be  as  kindly  welcomed  as  myself.  Let 
Mark  also  from  time  to  time  go  over  and  see 
how  Annie  is  getting  on.  Cheer  up,  my  dear 
girl,  all  in  the  course  of  events  will  go  well. 
Present  my  kindest  regards  to  all  of  your 
friends  and  believe 

Me  yours  as  ever, 

M.  ANTHONY. 
M ore  anon. 

Destroy  this. 

ST'M'R  SULTANA, 
MEMPHIS,  August  26,  '55. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

Your  much  welcomed  and  gratifying  note  of 
the  22nd  inst.  came  to  hand  through  the  kind- 
ness of  your  cousin  Mark,  and  were  it  not  for 
him  we  would  be  deprived  the  pleasure  of  occa- 
sionally meeting  face  to  face  and  renew  those 
happy  times  of  last  summer.  The  brightest  and 
best  that  ever  left  the  sky  on  my  deep  soul  to 
beam,  and  by  the  aid  of  pencil  and  paper, 


64  A  True  Romance 

though  time  and  space  divide  us,  we  can  be 
rendered  near  unto  each  other.  Rest,  my  dear 
Nannie,  in  quietness  if  they  will  permit  you 
the  sweet  consolation  of  hope  the  world  cannot 
take  away,  and  in  the  sad,  trying  hour  of  afflic- 
tion, Oh!  how  its  soothing  influence  sustains 
the  spirit  upon  the  wings  of  unsullied  joys. 

Touching  the  defence  of  character  which 
your  Aunt  Sarah  speaks  of  I  shall  ever  feel 
grateful  for  her  interposition  in  our  behalf. 
But,  Nannie,  what  is  virtue  or  character  if  it 
needs  a  victim,  and  it  seems  as  others  have 
singled  us  out  for  their  revenge.  But  in  the 
fulness  of  time  they  shall  fail  in  their  purpose. 
Must  it  depend  upon  men's  or  women's  idle 
words  to  make  or  unmake  it.  A  dying  Roman 
once  said  'twas  but  a  name.  It  were  indeed  no 
more  if  human  breath  could  mar  or  make  it. 
Actions  speak  louder  than  words,  so  Mrs. 
W d  can  neither  give  nor  take  away  char- 
acter, name  or  fame.  I  love  all  noble  qualities 
which  merit  affection.  For  that  I  love  you, 
who  first  taught  me  what  we  should  appreciate 
in  others  and  to  subdue  all  tendency  to  lend  the 
best  and  purest  feelings  of  our  nature  to  baser 
passions.  Well,  let  them  go,  their  words  are 


A  True  Romance  65 

idle,  and  I  have  already  wasted  too  much  time 
and  patience  on  subjects  who  should  prove 
worthier  of  a  better  cause.  Nannie,  on  our 
return,  I  will  call  upon  you  openly  and  without 
fear  or  favor.  Let  fate  do  her  worst.  My  life 
cannot  be  more  than  the  forfeit  and  what  is  it 
worth  to  me  if  we  are  to  be  apart.  The  deep 
root  of  sufferance  takes  its  abode  in  bare  and 
desolate  bosoms  and  mine  was  not  created  for 
that  tenant,  for  I  love  you  and  companionship 
too  well  to  have  room  for  any  other  guest. 
The  lion  is  alone  and  so  am  I  without  thy  love 
or  sorrow,  and  may  the  first  ever  be  our  good 
fortune.  We  have  now  got  our  full  cargo  on 
board  after  a  hard  time.  I  have  scarcely  slept 
since  we  left,  being  up  night  and  day.  From 
that  fact  am  almost  worn  out,  but  have  a  heart, 
will  and  constitution  to  brave  and  endure  all 
things  for  the  best.  We  are  full  to  overflowing 
with  passengers.  I  have  been  turned  out  of 
my  room  to  accommodate  them,  and  sleep  any 
place  that  I  can  get.  The  report  is  that  the 
fever  is  largely  on  the  increase  at  New  Or- 
leans, so  most  of  our  passengers  are  destined 
for  points  this  side.  Some  of  our  officers  feel 
a  dread  of  going  into  the  city,  but  for  my  part 


66  A  True  Romance 

I  feel  none,  as  I  am  acclimated,  yet  we  should 
not  be  too  sanguine,  for  disease  and  death  are 
inevitable  and  take  us  unawares.  May  God 
in  His  Providence  protect  me.  Should  I  fall, 
farewell,  we  shall  meet  in  a  better  world.  For- 
give me  who  has  been  to  thee  a  fond  but  unfor- 
tunate one.  Love  my  memory,  I  ask  no  more. 
But  you,  Nannie,  can  judge  of  me  more  kindly 
than  the  world.  Besides  all  the  good  fruit  of 
this  life  I  had  hoped  to  gather  up  some  wealth, 
power,  fame  and  name,  which  generally  leave 
some  flowers  to  bloom  over  the  grave  of  fallen 
worth,  and  to  extract  a  little  love,  friendship 
and  esteem  to  adorn  an  epitaph.  I  have  up- 
rooted all  my  former  life  and  would  outlive 
everything  except  thy  heart,  the  pure,  the  good, 
the  gentle,  which  will  oft  with  unimpaired  but 
not  clamorous  grief,  remember  me.  But 
enough  of  this  sad  foreboding.  I  regretted 
Nannie,  being  compelled  to  forego  the  pleasure 
it  would  have  otherwise  afforded  me  in  seeing 
you  and  Mrs.  Anthony's  family,  but  as  it  is  it 
may  be  for  the  best.  Do  not,  if  possible,  neg- 
lect to  visit  my  sisters  in  Louisville.  They 
will  be  right  glad  to  see  you. 

I  am  under  the  impression  your  father  will 


A  True  Romance  67 

not  remove  you  from  your  Aunt  Sarah's.  I 
think  he  led  you  to  believe  so  more  to  intimi- 
date and  coerce  you  into  his  measures.  Write 
me  a  long  letter  immediately  on  receipt  of  this, 
and  let  Mark  hand,  under  cover,  to  Mr.  Bush- 
nell  of  wharf  boat  and  forward  so  I  may  in- 
tercept at  Cairo  on  our  up  trip.  Be  pleased, 
my  dear  Nannie,  to  remember  me  in  the  kind- 
est manner  to  your  aunt's  family,  also  Miss 
Minerva  and  others.  Mark  will  write  me  at 
the  mouth  and  enclose  your  letter  with  his.  I 
hope  since  my  departure  the  "  Tormentors " 
have  allowed  you  a  little  peace  of  mind.  Be 
just  and  fear  not,  corruption  wins  not  more 
than  honesty,  and  like  me,  carry  in  your  right 
hand  gentle  peace  to  silence  envious  bitter 
tongues.  Good  bye,  my  dear  Nannie.  God 
bless  you,  and  may  all  angels  watch  over  and 
protect  you  is  the  fervent  prayer. 

As  ever  yours  affectionately, 

ANTHONY. 

^September  16,  1855. 
MY  DEAR  MARK  : 

While  I  have  the  sacred  privilege  of  once 
more  addressing  you,  I  embrace  that  opportu- 


68  A  True  Romance 

nity,  although  my  mind  is  so  confused  I  can 
scarce  find  words  to  express  my  true  feelings. 
Dear  Mark  never  doubt  my  affection,  come 
what  may,  as  long  as  I  have  the  fullest  convic- 
tion that  your  character  is  what  I  think  it  to 
be,  and  your  intentions  toward  me  are  pure,  I 
shall  never  change.  I  reflect  sometimes  my 
dear,  and  think  it  strange  that  my  love  for  you 
could  be  as  pure  and  lasting  when  I  might  have 
been  led  to  believe  you  the  basest  of  all  men ; 
and  why  did  I  think  otherwise,  because  I  had 
surer  proof  than  those  who  call  themselves  my 
best  friends,  and  the  attachment  I  formed  for 
you  is  not  a  "  school  girl's  fancy,"  as  it  was 
termed,  and  I  would  wish  you  and  others  to 
know  I  have  more  pride  and  respect  for  myself, 
dear  parents,  to  not  deign  to  notice  one  I  con- 
sidered unworthy  of  me.  I  am  a  prisoner,  hav- 
ing no  one  to  relieve  my  o'er-fraught  heart, 
and  it  almost  breaks.  I  see  none  of  my  friends, 
and  can  only  find  consolation  in  solitude,  where 
I  can  picture  for  myself  a  bright  and  happy 
future  which  I  hope  ere  long  to  realize;  but  did 
not  think  so  until  to-day,  as  Estelle  is  near  me 
and  told  all.  I  contrived  by  means  of  the  alley 


A  True  Romance  69 

to  find  my  way  to  Mrs.  Stoys,  where  I  met 
E .  No  one  knows  of  my  coming.  If  de- 
tected I  fear  the  consequences,  but  I  am  well 
paid  beyond  my  expectations.  Pa  says  give 
him  opportunity  and  he  will  prove  your  char- 
acter to  my  satisfaction.  I  wait  patiently,  but 
no  effort  on  his  part  is  made  to  do  so.  I  really 
believe  he  is  not  going  to  or  does  not  wish  to. 
I  put  unlimited  confidence  in  your  affection, 
and  should  it  be  that  some  day  we  may  be 
united,  I  do  not  for  one  moment  doubt  that  I 
would  always  be  cherished  as  one  you  could 
not  ill-treat.  I  trust  no  one  around  me.  I 
fear  one  whom  I  have  placed  the  utmost  con- 
fidence will  prove  false.  How  could  I  ever  be- 
lieve my  old  friend  M to  betray  me.  I 

could  write  more  but  am  in  great  haste,  as  it  is 
time  I  was  getting  home.  Arrange  matters  to 
suit  yourself,  and  it  will  suit  me.  May  heaven 
preserve  my  dear  Mark,  lead  you,  guide  you, 
so  shall  you  ever  be  safe  is  the  daily  prayer  of 
your  affectionate 

NANNIE. 

Excuse  writing. 


70  A  True  Romance 

ST'M'R  SULTANA, 
MEMPHIS,  September  19,  '55. 

This  will  be  handed  you  by  our  friend  Mark. 
I  have  but  a  few  moments  left  to  drop  a  line. 
God  bless  you,  cheer  up,  for  I  will  do  all  to 
return  with  the  documents  which  will  put  an 
end  to  all  the  strife  which  has  so  long  caused 
us  to  meet  so  seldom.  Let  the  world  and  the 
faction  do  and  say  what  they  will.  The  time 
is  not  far  distant  when  we  will  meet  to  part  no 
more,  and  renew  those  better  feelings  of  head 
and  heart  which  we  have  been  so  long  deprived 
of.  If  possible  please  write  me  and  hand  to 
Mark  in  time  for  me  to  intercept  at  Cairo  or 
on  our  up  trip. 

My  prayers  hourly  ascend  to  heaven  for  pro- 
tection and  nerve  through  all  these  trials,  shall 
meet  ere  long  with  their  just  reward.  Good 
bye,  and  may  the  benignant  powers  watch  over 
and  protect  you  is  my  prayer  for  ever. 
Yours  until  the  latest  time, 

ANTHONY. 


A  True  Romance  71 

ST'M'R  SULTANA,  Monday  29,  1855. 

7  o'clock,  p.  m. 
FRIEND  MARK: 

I  wrote  you,  Nannie  and  Alfred  from  Mem- 
phis on  our  down  trip,  and  was  somewhat  dis- 
appointed in  not  hearing  from  you  at  Cairo, 
but  presume  my  letters  came  too  late  to  admit 
of  sufficient  time  to  answer  so  as  I  might  in- 
tercept at  that  place.  At  Memphis  I  received 
one  from  Alfred,  sad  news  to  learn  that  Mr. 
Marsh  had  taken  Nannie  home.  I  had  scarcely 
expected  it,  though  he  had  threatened  to  do  so. 
Well,  I  suppose  now  the  last  act  of  this  unfor- 
tunate tragedy  on  his  part  is  closed,  but  with 
me  it  has  not,  nor  never  shall,  so  long  as 
Nannie's  feelings  remain  as  they  have  been. 
They  seem  determined  to  crush  the  last  rem- 
nant of  happiness  and  life  from  out  her  already 
poor  bleeding  heart.  Would  to  God  it  were 
not  so. 

There  will  yet  be  a  day  of  deep  retribution 
for  those  who  thus  endeavor  to  blot  out  all  the 
best  and  purest  impulses  of  a  woman's  exist- 
ence, the  only  shrine  of  feeling  which  they  can 
turn  and  kneel  to  with  fond  idolatry,  hope  and 
live.  Why  would  they  break  the  charm  of 


72  A  True  Romance 

youth's  first  brightest  dream,  and  thus  wear  out 
the  pleasures  of  the  world  and  sap  at  length  the 
very  springs  of  life.  All  of  the  officers  have 
been  well  but  James  Seabrook.  He  is  now  re- 
covering, fell  from  off  wharf  boat  at  Natchez 
and  came  very  nearly  being  drowned.  \Ye 
learned  at  New  Orleans  of  the  death  of  your 
Uncle  Alfred.  I  deeply  sympathize  with  you 
all.  He  was  a  friend  of  mine  always,  and  re- 
gret those  social  ties  of  relatives,  friends  and 
all  should  so  soon  be  snapped  and  laid  wither- 
ing in  the  dust. 

Mark,  I  will  be  unable  to  visit  your  city  to- 
night, as  I  am  compelled  to  go  to  Louisville 
with  the  mails  and  other  things  of  business. 
Come  over  soon  in  the  morning.  I  am  anxious 
to  see  you  and  have  much  to  say.  See  Nannie 
in  the  meantime,  and  say  to  her  I  will  write 
her  a  note  to-morrow.  Enclosed  find  one  mor- 
tal dollar.  Ferryage.  Give  my  best  wishes  to 
all  your  worthy  family. 

Your  friend  in  haste, 

ANTHONY. 

This  note  Miss  Marsh  sent  to  her  cousin 
Estelle. 


A  True  Romance  73 

DEAR  ESTELLE: 

This  will  be  the  last  time  I  ever  expect  to  ad- 
dress a  note  to  you  for  fear  of  being  detected. 
Just  as  I  left  you  at  the  gate  and  got  at  the 
corner  of  the  alley ;  saw  Pa  crossing  the  street. 
He  passed  us  and  never  spoke,  and  I  looked 
back  and  saw  him  go  in  the  alley.  He  went 
for  the  purpose  of  seeing  if  I  met  any  one,  but 
you  must  have  arrived  safely  in  the  house  by 
that  time.  Grandma  and  I  came  home  as  quick 
as  possible  and  we  puzzled  our  brain  in  vain, 
to  arrive  at  a  conclusion  that  we  knew  would 
satisfy  him,  but  fortunately  he  came  in  and 
went  right  to  bed  without  noticing  us.  This 
gave  us  ample  time  to  conjecture  what  we 
should  say  to  him  without  telling  a  direct  false- 
hood. This  morning  he  went  down  stairs  ear- 
lier than  usual  and  asked  Mrs.  Heaton  if  I  was 
not  at  Mrs.  Anthony's,  that  he  saw  us  come 
out  of  the  alley.  She  told  him  no,  I  was  not, 
and  that  I  had  seen  a  light  at  the  dining-room 
window  and  had  gone  to  peep  in  to  see  if  I  saw 
any  of  the  family.  She  told  him  I  saw  Uncle 
Jake  sitting  by  the  table  and  Clara  reading, 
which  I  did.  He  then  wanted  to  know  how 
near  I  went  to  the  window,  and  if  I  commanded 


74  A  True  Romance 

any  one's  attention  in  the  room.  No;  was  her 
answer.  Then  he  came  up  in  my  room  to  see 
if  we  told  the  same  story,  which  had  been 
agreed  upon  the  night  previous.  I  believe  he 
does  not  think  but  what  we  told  all  that  was 
true,  but  still  he  told  Mrs.  H.  he  ,had  lost  all 
confidence  in  me.  He  said  to  me  he  thought 
grandma  had  been  running  to  your  house  too 
often  of  late,  and  if  she  wanted  to  stay  about 
the  house  would  have  to  keep  away,  therefore 
she  will  have  to  be  very  cautious.  He  did  not 
ask  me  if  you  were  with  us,  and  does  not  sus- 
pect us,  but  if  he  does,  I  shall  tell  him  yes,  but 
that  you  brought  no  notes  to  me,  which  you  did 
not.  I  hope  the  boat  is  going  to  lay  up.  Ask 
Mark  if  I  must  go  down  the  river,  I  do  not 
want  to  go  and  do  not  know  what  is  best  for 
me.  Contrive  some  means  to  let  them  know 
soon.  If  it  is  pleasant  I  will  be  past  your  house 
this  evening  between  five  and  six.  I  am  afraid 
Mrs.  H.  can  do  nothing  more  for  us  as  she 
will  be  absent. 

It  is  necessary  I  should  know  soon  what  he 
thinks  about  me  going  down  the  river.  I  am 
in  great  haste,  so  excuse  writing  and  paper, 
composition,  etc.  Grandma  said  to  Pa,  If  he 


A  True  Romance  75 

proves  his  character  Nannie  says  she  will  not 
have  him  until  he  asks  your  consent.  Pa  says, 
"  That  is  a  likely  story."  I  never  said  that  I 
would  not  have  Mark  if  he  did  not  ask  consent. 
I  cannot  tell  you  how  you  will  receive  this,  but 
it  will  not  be  grandma  that  puts  it  under  the 
door.  My  love  to  all.  Oh,  I  hope  the  boat  is 
going  to  lay  up. 

ST.  Bx.  SULTANA,  Oct.  9,  1855. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE: 

Your  affectionate  and  much  welcomed  note 
of  the  last  ultimo  came  duly  to  hand  through 
kindness  of  our  friend  Mark,  and  also  the  one 
of  the  2d  inst.,  which  you  were  coerced  to  write 
through  the  dictation  of  others,  I  know  all 
about  it  Nannie;  the  sentiments  were  wrung 
from  you  through  tyranny,  which  has  had  no 
equal  in  the  history  of  Inquisition,  and  of 
course  came  only  from  the  hand  and  lips,  not 
from  the  heart;  so  my  dear  Nannie  I  under- 
stand your  position  perfectly  and  rest  assured 
all  is  well.  Our  friends  too,  see  the  policy  of 
your  thus  acting,  and  do  not  censure  you  at 
all.  For  under  the  rigid,  shameful  circum- 
stances you  could  not  do  otherwise.  Touching 


j6  A  True  Romance 

your  visit  to  the  south  as  the  protegee  of  the 
"  Immaculate  W-  — d,"  permit  me,  dear 
Nannie,  to  suggest  some  ideas  which  may 
prove  successful  to  our  best  wishes  and  highest 
aims,  since  you  have  given  tnc  the  go  by,  and  I 
am  compelled  to  yield  my  just  right  and  title 
to  your  hand  and  heart.  You  know  what  I 
mean,  Nannie.  "  Ah  Hem,  for  the  time  being, 
play  the  game  out  just  as  you  have  started  it 

and  lead  the  W d  "  to  infer  that  you  have 

yielded  to  her  wish.  Your  Aunt  Sarah  will 
see  you  soon  after  our  departure  and  explain 
all,  which  will  be  gratifying  to  us.  Endeavor 
my  Nannie  to  be  cheerful  and  make  the  best 
out  you  can ;  they  have  had  their  day,  and  say, 
and  ours  will  come  next,  should  you  arrive  in 
New  Orleans  previous  to  us  address  a  note  to 
me  through  the  post-office,-  care  Alexander 
Norton  &  Co.,  which  will  be  immediately  taken 
out  and  held  for  me  at  their  store,  and  state 
name  and  number  of  street.  In  Louisiana  there 
will  be  no  difficulty  in  procuring  license,  and 
should  we  get  half  an  opportunity,  day  or  night, 
we  can  give  them  the  slip,  without  fear  or 
favor,  and  immediately  come  up  the  river  on 
the  "  Sultana."  Your  friends,  Captain  Bently, 


A  True  Romance  77 

James  Seabrooks,  all  will  be  with  us  to  watch 
over  and  protect  us. 

When  a  proper  time  arrives  1  will  meet 
Mrs.  T.  face  to  face,  and  cause  her  to  take 
back  all  she  has  said  against  me,  which  is 
as  false  as  Hell  itself,  and  cause  her  cheeks 
to  burn  and  corrode  with  shame — at  the 
infidelity  of  her  right  of  truth.  Be  of  good 
cheer,  Nannie,  the  day  of  their  rule  of  bribery 
and  corruption  is  fast  drawing  to  a  close,  then 
will  ours  loom  up  bright  and  pure  to  meet  the 
reward  which  has  so  long  been  withheld.  Sis- 
ter Annie  goes  home  on  Monday  the  I5th  inst., 
and  will  visit  New  Albany  on  day  previous  to 
her  departure,  and  says  she  is  bound  to  see  you ; 
so  when  she  comes  over,  the  first  place  to  call 
will  be  upon  you,  and  on  entering  the  gate  will 
loudly  call:  "Nannie,  Nannie."  You  come 
quickly  to  meet  her,  even  if  but  a  few  moments. 
She  loves  you  Nannie  as  dearly  as  myself,  and 
will  brave  all  dangers  to  serve  us.  Alas,  Nan- 
nie, it  is  my  weary  destiny  to  be  a  nestler  of 
life's  leafless  bowers.  Still  ever  to  thee  flies  my 
bleeding  heart  to  weep  and  brood  over  the  silent 
sepulchre  of  joys,  for  the  time  being,  wrecked 
upon  the  night-shrouded  sea  of  years,  yet  still 


78  A  True  Romance 

passion  there  bends  in  sorrow  over  the  bright- 
est hopes  of  its  fond  realization.  But  faithful 
memory  keeps  its  vigils  there  to  watch  the  wan- 
ing sunlight  of  its  fantasies.  But  in  the  hours 
of  loneliness,  how  often  like  a  bright  meteor 
came  thy  fair  form  of  love  and  purity,  as  it 
were  an  angel's  visit,  to  breathe  its  blessings  on 
this  child  of  sorrow  they  have  ever  found  kneel- 
ing and  worshiping  to  catch  the  whisperings 
of  thy  sleepless  mind,  for  it  was  no  intrusion 
on  my  solitude  to  blend  the  echo  of  their  vesper 
songs  with  the  wild  music  of  my  heart's  lyre. 
But,  Nannie,  I  am  forced  to  go  far  far  away 
from  thy  pure  spirit,  who  has  made,  and  shall 
ever  make,  the  morning  of  my  years  as  beauti- 
ful and  happy  as  a  fresh  coronal  of  Eden's 
flowers,  and  thou  too  art  one  on  whom  I  have 
gazed  and  remembered  until  my  soul  has  drunk 
up  the  goodness  of  its  divinity  to  give  my  heart 
a  portion  of  thy  soft  unwavered  purity.  Yet 
with  all  these  high  hopes  and  glorious  aspira- 
tions, I  am  compelled  to  be  a  wanderer  through 
the  dim  decaying  flowers  that  deck  life's  desert 
garden,  where  the  eye  often  looks  back  and 
sparkles  bright  with  sympathy's  tear.  So  then, 
amid  the  silent  wreck  of  wasted  time,  as  some 


A  True  Romance  79 

fair  temple,  thou  shalt  ever  rise,  where  my 
heart  will  dwell  on  dreams  of  ecstasy,  to  weep 
and  worship,  and  where  passion's  voice  will 
breathe  thy  unforgotten  name  as  if  it  would 
impart  devotion  to  its  prayer;  and  my  own 
Nannie,  thou  wilt  fondly  be  remembered  until 
the  sun  of  my  existence  goes  down  and  sets 
amid  the  stars  that  tell  us  of  the  coming  night- 
time of  life's  weary  day,  so  we  shall  be  free  and 
happy  hereafter.  My  Nannie  you  will  hear 
from  me  again  at  Memphis,  through  Mark ;  do 
if  possible  write  me  a  few  lines  and  hand  him 
to  enclose  for  me.  Now  Nannie,  be  of  good 
cheer,  all  things  will  be  O.  K.  for  us  in  a  short 
time.  Do  not  permit  your  meek  spirit  to  be  so 
unhappy.  Let  the  fiends  go  on  and  taunt,  our 
time  is  coming  for  peace  and  happiness. 

Yours  as  ever, 

ANTHONY. 

Let  no  one  see  this  and  burn  it  up. 

NEW  ALBANY,  IND.,  Oct.  28,  1855. 

MY  DEAREST  MARK: 

The  note  is  received,  and  I  need  hardly  say 
it  was  a  source  of  great  consolation.    It  is  proof 


80  A  True  Romance 

enough  for  me  of  the  fidelity  and  constancy  of 
your  love,  but  to  satisfy  others,  dear  Mark,  I 
would  have  you  call  forward  those  pretended 
friends  and  compel  them  to  own  the  truth.  Pa 
says :  "  Do  you  suppose  I  would  let  a  man 
slander  my  character  as  I  have  Mark  Anthony's, 
and  not  resent  it.  This  is  all  he  can  talk  about 
now,  and  pretends  to  say  that  if  you  have  a 
character  he  does  not  wish  to  deprive  you  of 
it.  Have  no  scruples,  dear  Mark  in  having  him 
prove  what  he  asserts.  It  is  right  and  proper 
that  he  should.  Do  so,  and  I  shall  be  doubly 
content.  It  appears  he  has  had  a  conversation 
with  Captain  H.  Smith,  and  from  what  he  tells 
me  I  assure  you  my  dear  Mark  is  not  much  to 
your  credit,  and  as  for  what  Mrs.  Smith  has 
said,  how  could  I  believe  it  when  it  has  been  so 
positively  denied  by  your  sister  Annie,  I  sup- 
pose you  have  heard  ere  this  of  the  success  of 
her  visit.  I  was  surprised  and  delighted  as  it 
afforded  me  an  opportunity  of  hearing  from 
you,  and  I  love  Annie  as  dearly  as  a  sister. 

Mrs.  Heaton  is  our  friend,  and  I  feel  under 
many  obligations  to  her  for  her  kindness  to 
me,  which  if  it  had  been  otherwise  would  have 
rendered  me  twice  as  unhappy.  But  as  it  is, 


A  True  Romance  81 

I  have  one  to  relieve  my  overburdened  heart 
in  speaking  of  the  past  joys  and  those  to  come, 
and  oh,  how  she  sympathizes  with  you,  and 
says  how  unjust  the  world  is  in  its  suspicion. 
I  am  allowed  to  roam  at  large,  but  it  would 
be  imprudent  just  now  for  me  to  speak  if  I 
should  chance  to  meet  you  in  the  street,  which 
I  shall  strive  to  do  when  the  boat  arrives.  I 

still  think  of  going  south  with  Mrs.  W d. 

Oh,  Mark,  it  grieves  me  to  think  that  Pa 
will  act  in  such  a  manner  when  I  believe  he 
knows  in  the  honesty  of  his  heart  he  has  no 
just  cause,  and  we  obliged  to  act  clandestinely 
that  our  highest  hopes  in  the  future  may  be 
realized;  but  dear  Mark,  this  heart  and  hand 
is  all  thine  own  till  the  last.  I  know  my  heart 
gives  to  thee  a  love  which  time  shall  not  es- 
trange and  absence  cannot  alter.  You  will 
ever  be  remembered  while  the  pulse  of  life  beats 
warm  and  free.  Would  you,  dear  Mark,  think 
it  proper  to  ask  Pa's  consent  to  our  marriage, 
or  no.  Do  as  you  please,  for  it  is  certain  you 
would  be  refused.  I  will  be  content  as  it  is.  I 
hope  to  hear  from  you  soon,  dear  Mark. 
Faithful  till  the  last, 

NANNIE. 


82  A  True  Romance 

October  30,  1855. 
MY  DEAR  NANNIE  : 

Your  last  note  is  duly  at  hand,  the  most  af- 
fectionate, comprehensive,  and  best  one  that  I 
have  ever  received.  In  reply  this  head  and 
heart  has  a  thousand  things  to  say,  but  is  so 
troubled  that  I  scarcely  know  when  or  how 
to  begin. 

Touching  Nannie,  the  sincerity  of  my  love 
for  you,  the  honesty  of  my  intentions,  take 
every  note,  letter,  act  or  thought,  and  have  they 
breathed  aught  but  sentiments  which  tend  to 
elevate  us  in  the  scale  of  being,  my  first,  last 
love,  with  you  it  began,  with  you  it  shall  only 
cease  when  I  am  no  more.  Nannie,  should  it 
be  our  sad  fatality  never  to  be  united,  know 
that  this  heart,  soul,  blood,  passion,  and  every 
pure  feeling  which  God  has  given  shall  go 
down  to  the  grave  unchanged.  Even  then  will 
it  turn  finally  and  hope  for  a  reward  in  the 
next  world,  which  had  been  so  unjustly  denied 
me  in  this.  Relative  to  my  character,  it  was 
never  stained  nor  dishonored,  nor  never  shall 
be,  although  that  packed,  petty  court-martial  of 
judges,  jury,  witnesses  and  old  women  have 
endeavored  to  interdict  a  paradox  striving  to 


A  True  Romance  83 

torture  every  trivial  act  or  thought  into  some- 
thing wonderful.  They  have  failed  thus  far 
and  always  will,  outside  their  immediate  clique. 
The  just  in  the  course  of  time  meet  their 
reward,  so  we  shall  yet  have  ours,  and  a  day 
of  retribution  will  sooner  or  later  overtake 
those  who  have  flagrantly  violated  every  sense 
of  right  and  charity.  So  far  as  getting  a  state- 
ment from  those  who  have  known  me  best  in 
a  business  and  social  nature,  say  Captain  Mal- 
bon.  Captain  Bently,  James  Seabrook,  and  a 
host  of  others,  they  will,  without  hesitating, 
satisfy  you  and  others  who  and  what  I  am. 
I  dishonored,  Nannie,  no!  never!  They  are 
dishonored.  As  for  getting  a  certificate  to  this 

effect   to   gratify   Mrs.   W d,   never.     To 

please  you  I  would  quickly,  and  to-day  in  men- 
tioning this  matter  to  Captain  Malbon  and  Mr. 
Seabrook  they  hooted  at  the  idea.  I  stated  I 
wished  it  alone  for  you,  I  also  spoke  of  Mr. 
Lanham,  having  said  something  which  was 
construed  detrimental  to  me,  Captain  Malbon 
said  it  was  a  falsehood.  He,  Lanham,  he  knew 
never  did,  and  had  always  spoken  of  me  in 
favorable  terms ;  as  for  Captain  Henry  Smith's 
statement,  you  know,  Nannie,  that  is  not  so, 


84  A  True  Romance 

because  Miss  May  told  the  truth  and  it  re- 
dounded to  my  credit.  But  other  influences, 

through  Mrs.  J and  the  whole  faction,  the 

honest  truth  was  crushed  to  earth  and  false- 
hood usurped  for  the  time  being,  base,  weak, 
subterfuge  and  tyranny.  It  seems  strange 
that  these  persons  treat  me  so  respectfully 
when  thrown  together,  it  is  certainly  a  lack 
of  independence  or  fear  that  they  should  asso- 
ciate with  one  who  is  so  unworthy.  No,  Nan- 
nie, all  this  fudge  and  wonderful  tirade  won't 
do  so  far  as  I  am  concerned.  It  does  not  affect 
me  one  jot  or  tittle,  other  than  the  mortification 
and  grief  it  causes  you.  As  for  the  rest  of  the 
world,  I  care  not  whether  I  am  remembered  or 
forgotten,  only  in  your  estimation  I  would 
wish  to  live.  My  merit  has  thus  sustained  me 
and  shall  ever,  for  I  have  no  wealth  to  sustain 
me.  But  thank  God,  a  peace  above  all  earthly 
dignities,  a  still  and  quiet  conscience.  I  have 
neither  outraged  the  laws  of  God  or  man.  That 
I  am  no  saint,  or  paragon  of  piety  or  perfection 
is  most  true.  I  have  never  made  any  preten- 
tions  that  way,  who  is  free  from  sin  or  frailty. 
Tis  mortal  to  err,  it  is  divine  to  forgive,  and 
the  errors  of  my  life  are  perhaps  many,  but 


A  True  Romance  85 

they  are  those  of  the  head,  not  heart,  and  lean 
to  the  softer  side  of  the  heart,  where  they  should 
ever  meet  with  palliation.  There  are  some  in- 
discretions of  life  which  are  made  venial  by  the 
occasion.  But  the  gods  of  fortune  wait  upon 
the  gods  of  fate,  and  such  is  our  destiny  to 
those  who  have  endeavored  to  injure  me,  for 
it  has  only  been  an  attempt.  I  have  charity 
enough  to  send  them  to  the  recording  angel,  to 
have  their  sins  purged  away.  Nannie,  so  soon 

as  I  can  meet  with  Captain  S ,  I  will  make 

him  show  his  hand,  and  as  for  Mrs.  T , 

will  do  myself  the  felicity  of  waiting  upon  her 
immediately  on  my  arrival  in  New  Orleans. 
Now  my  dear  Nannie,  one  last  request  at  your 
hands.  Hold  to  the  love  and  confidence  you 
have  for  a  time,  until  a  fitting  season  will  give 
me  an  opportunity  to  prove  to  you  and  the 
world  I  am  not  the  unworthy  creature  others 
would  wish  you  to  believe  me.  As  for  your 
father,  why  does  he  not  go  to  Captain  Malbon, 
Captain  Bently,  Captain  Smith,  or  James  Sea- 
brook,  and  ask  them  their  opinion  of  me.  No, 
he  does  not  want  to  do  it,  he  knows  full  well 
what  answer  he  will  get.  The  ring  I  pur- 
chased for  you  is  in  Estelle's  charge,  also  the 


86  A  True  Romance 

kerchief.  It  would  be  imprudent  perhaps  for 
you  to  wear  either.  But  the  ring  *  perhaps 
with  less  danger  than  the  other,  so  if  you  wish, 
my  dear  Nannie,  take  it  from  Estelle  and  wear 
it  for  my  sake.  The  design  is  somewhat  appro- 
priate, "  a  knot,"  may  our  hopes,  love  and  hap- 
piness be  like  unto  its  circle,  being  typical  of 
eternity,  having  no  end.  But  what,  alas !  gems 
or  jewels  to  you  or  I  who  have  almost  beheld 
the  hopes,  the  cherished  hopes  of  life  well  nigh 
crushed  and  lain  withering  in  the  dust,  when 
it  should  have  been  fresh  and  green  garlanding 
our  brows.  You  ask,  Nannie,  for  me  to  be 
honest,  frank,  faithful,  how  can  I  to  you  be 
otherwise;  can  I  forget  to  love  and  serve  you 
and  be  prosperous  and  happy?  No,  never. 
Can  the  soul  forget  its  immortality  and  live? 
Can  the  Christian  forget  his  God  and  hope  for 
salvation?  No,  Nannie,  mark  the  oracle,  for 


*  Miss  Marsh  was  wearing  the  wedding  ring  around 
her  neck.  She  had  on  a  low-necked  dress.  Her  aunt 
saw  the  string  to  which  it  was  attached.  She  jerked  it 
out  and  took  it  from  her,  and  said,  "  Did  Mark  give  you 
that?  "  She  said,"  Yes."  Her  aunt  said,  "  You  shan't 
wear  it."  "  I  don't  care  if  I  don't;  you  give  it  back  to 
me  or  I  will  leave  this  house  this  instant" 


A  True  Romance  87 

I  now  swear  before  heaven's  high  chancery  that 
never  *  from  these  lips  shall  aught  but  kind- 
ness and  consolation  murmur  forth.  For  your 
happiness  and  comfort  from  this  heart,  mind 
and  body  shall  their  best  and  faithful  efforts 
go  to  promote  your  interest  in  every  sense. 
What  base  heart  told  you  that  I  would  be  un- 
kind and  neglectful  to  you.  That  never  was 
in  my  nature  under  any  circumstances,  much 
less  when  I  love  and  cherish  as  I  do  you.  Live 
Nannie,  if  you  can,  in  the  confidence  of  these 
facts,  for  they  are  true ;  neither  time  or  circum- 
stances that  unspiritual  God  can  make  no 
change  in  me,  although  perhaps  you  may  be 
taught  at  length  to  forget.  Wherever  should  you 
go  this  heart  will  turn  to  thee  like  a  faithful 
pilgrim  to  the  mecca  of  the  East.  Even  though 
I  am  spurned  and  forgotten,  I  will  not  com- 
plain of  my  lot  nor  cherish  aught  for  you,  Nan- 
nie, but  peace,  happiness  and  prosperity  in  this 
world  and  the  next.  I  am  so  pressed  with 
business  that  my  mind  is  ill  prepared  to  write 
a  finished  piece  of  rhetoric  or  diction  as  I  would 

*  She  said  after  forty-three  years  of  married  life,  he 
was  the  same  gallant  lover  and  gentleman  he  was  from 
the  first. 


88  A  True  Romance 

otherwise  do  were  my  mind  more  calm.  In  all 
the  notes  and  letters  you  have  ever  received 
from  me  they  speak  the  one  holy  wish  of  heart 
first  and  last  for  you  Nannie.  I  would  resign 
home,  family,  friends  and  all  that  you  might 
live  alone  in  "  the  book  and  volume  of  my 
brain,  unmixed  with  other  ties  or  interests." 
This  dome  of  thought,  the  palace  of  the  soul, 
would  make  your  image  the  temple  and  shrine 
where  I  would  ever  kneel  with  truth  and  purity 
in  preference  to  all  else  this  world  could  offer, 
and  pour  its  oblations  forth  with  an  unceasing 
fountain.  God  bless  you  Nannie.  My  prayer 
hourly  ascends  to  heaven  for  its  protective 
power  over  you. 

ANTHONY. 

P.  S. — You  must  destroy  this  or  give  to 
Mark. 

Oh,  tell  me  how  and  by  what  means  may  I 
control,  to  bring  the  hour  that  calls  thee  mine. 
How  may  I  teach  my  drooping  hope  to  linger, 
until  that  blessed  time  when  thou  art  mine.  I'll 
tell  thee  for  our  sakes,  I  will  lay  hold  of  all 
good  deeds  each  moment  that  is  mine,  while 


A  True  Romance  89 

thou,  fond  one,  art  far  from  me.  So  may  this 
doomed-time  build  up  in  thee  a  thousand 
graces,  which  may  yet  be  thine,  so  may  my 
honor,  love  and  longing  hallowed  be,  and  thy 
dear  thoughts  create  an  influence  divine. 

A. 

"  Better  trust  all  and  be  deceived 
And  weep  that  trust  and  that  deceiving 
Than  doubt  one  heart,  which,  if  believed, 
Had  blessed  one's  life  with  true  believing." 

To  NANNIE. 

Give  me  the  hand  that  firmly  in  mine 
Speaks  in  its  grasp  I  am  worthy  of  thine. 
Though  wild  be  the  path  as  onward  we  stray, 
I'll  hold  that  hand  dearer,  the  darker  our  way. 
If  such  be  our  ties  and  such  be  our  life 
Mingling  on  earth,  may  they  mingle  above. 
A  true  heart  hath  its  own  in  fondness  and  fears, 
And  seeks  that  one  home  in  joy  or  in  tears. 

ON  BOARD  ST.  BT.  SULTANA, 

November  i,  1855. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE: 

Your   doubly   welcomed   note  of   the   28th 
ultimo,  came  to  hand  yesterday,  and  deeply; 


90  A  True  Romance 

regretted  in  one  cause,  that  the  allied  powers 
still  continue  to  traduce  and  slander  me,  and 
from  that  fact  you  were  rendered  still  more 
unhappy.  So  far  as  I  am  concerned  personally, 
let  them  go  on  and  multiply  themselves  in  sin 
and  misery,  for  what  else  have  they  created, 
"  In  the  pride  of  place."  I  calmly  smile  in  the 
proud  consciousness  of  innocence  at  the  design 
of  their  false,  recreant  attempts  to  sully  a  name, 
character  and  fame,  which  is  too  proud  to  be 
incisive,  and  too  unyielding  in  its  nature  to 
gratify  their  wish.  In  their  opinion  I  am  a 
villain,  a  sot  and  a  libertine,  accusations  which 
are  as  false  as  Hell  itself. 

My  dear  Nannie,  none  but  the  actions  of  the 
just  smell  sweet  and  blossom  in  the  dust,  yet, 
it  seems  difficult  for  you  to  disbelieve  them, 
and  in  the  freest,  fullest,  and  most  independent 
sense  of  my  own  innocence  from  those  charges 
I  will  stand  alone,  remembered  or  forgotten. 
But  my  dear  Nannie,  for  your  satisfaction 
alone,  in  order  to  reconcile  a  degree  of  doubt, 
which  may  lay  heavily  upon  your  heart  and 
soul,  I  have  procured  the  signatures  of  Captain 
Sol.  Malbon,  of  St.  Bt.  "Lucy  Robinson," 


A  True  Romance  91 

and  Mr.  James  Seabrook,  of  this  boat,  setting 
forth  what  they  know  and  believe  of  me  as  a 
gentleman,  and  smiling  with  contempt  at  the 
baseness  of  their  dark,  malicious,  and  unjust 
accusations. 

My  dearest  Nannie,  oh  how  this  poor  ago- 
nized heart  vibrates  and  beats  with  sorrows, 
throbs  at  the  idea  of  your  lonely  and  hard  fate, 
and  I  be  so  near  and  debarred  the  high  privi- 
lege and  pleasure  of  extracting  you  from  so 
much  misery.  But  dear  Nannie,  be  yet  patient 
and  go  cheerfully  to  New  Orleans  with  the 

\V ds.     Then  I  can  get  the  license,  and 

only  want  but  ten  minutes  start  of  the  whole 
pack  to  consummate  our  only  good  and  perfect 
wish.  You  must  endeavor  to  send  me  a  note 
at  New  Orleans,  through  the  post-office.  Ad- 
dress to  the  care  of  Messrs.  Alexander  Norton 
&  Co.,  so  I  may  intercept,  and  all  will  go  well. 
I  have  been  so  pressed  with  business,  having 
but  just  yesterday  arrived,  and  depart  to-day, 
that  it  was  with  difficulty  I  could  snatch  a  few 
moments  to  transport  these  few  feeble  but 
honest,  disjointed  sentences.  When  more 
time  permits  I  will  write  at  length,  say  from 


92  A  True  Romance 

Cairo.     Good  bye,  may  God  watch  over  and 
protect  you  is  my  fervent  prayer. 

Yours  forever, 

ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  SULTANA, 
NEW  ORLEANS,  November  7,  1855. 

MY  DEAR  NANNIE: 

Thank  God  this  is  the  proudest  and  happiest 
moment  of  my  life,  and  I  know  you  feel  so  too. 
Clinton's  despatch  came  to  hand  a  day  or  two 
since,  and  its  purport  took  a  weight  of 
wretchedness  from  off  my  heart  and  soul,  which 
had  for  so  long  a  time  nearly  crushed  me  to 
the  earth. 

But  phoenix-like  I  have  risen,  and  truth  and 
justice  have  at  length  met  with  their  reward. 
Dearest  Nannie,  my  heart  is  so  full  that  I 
scarcely  know  what  to  say,  so  you  must  excuse 
brevity  of  this  note,  and  in  a  few  days  I  will 
write  you  more  in  detail.  The  boat  is  laid  up 
for  the  present,  and  all  parties  paid  off,  and  I 
am  at  a  loss  what  to  do,  whether  to  come  up 
immediately  or  remain  a  week  or  two.  James 
Seabrook  seems  to  think  I  had  better  wait,  as 
the  boat  may  possibly  start  up  in  that  time. 


A  True  Romance  93 

So  far  as  my  own  feelings  are  concerned  I 
would  start  this  evening;  but  perhaps  it  is 
better  that  I  should  forego  that  pleasant  wish 
to  see  what  will  next  arrive  for  the  mutual  bene- 
fit of  all  parties.  Captain  Bently  expects  me  to 
remain  on  the  packet,  so  if  I  should  start  up 
some  one  would  have  to  make  a  trip  for  me. 
I  should  have  answered  Clinton's  despatch  ere 
this,  but  the  wires  are  broken,  but  will  be  work- 
ing by  Monday,  when  I  will  send  forward 
mine.  Nannie,  every  day  we  lay  here  seems 
an  age,  and  I  live  in  hope  that  the  captain  will 
not  repair  the  boat  here  and  put  her  up  for 
Louisville  soon.  Then  I  will  soon  meet  you 
face  to  face,  and  heart  and  hand  together ;  then 
will  this  heart  unbosom  itself  and  tell  more 
than  feeble  thoughts  on  paper  have  power  to 
convey.  As  it  is  we  must  abide  a  future  oppor- 
tunity. May  God  in  his  providence  ordain  that 
the  day  may  not  be  far  'distant.  Nannie,  the 
book  and  volume  of  heart  and  brain  are  too 
full  of  love  and  sympathy,  for  you  my  dearest 
to  admit  of  any  other  tenant  to  lodge  there. 
Hence  I  do  not  feel  disposed  to  comment  upon 
that  which  has  caused  this  happy  reconciliation 
lest  it  should  mar  the  pleasure  which  it  affords 


94  A  True  Romance 

me  in  knowing  that  it  is  so;  and  that  is  glory 
enough  at  present  for  me.  Remember  me 
kindly  to  all.  May  the  benignant  powers  watch 
over  and  protect  you,  is  my  fervent  prayer. 
Yours  affectionately  and  faithfully, 

Forever, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  SULTANA, 
NEW  ORLEANS,  November  17,  1855. 

FRIEND  CLINTON  : 

Your  despatch  of  the  loth  inst,  came  to 
hand  a  day  or  two  since,  and  would  have  an- 
swered ere  this  but  was  at  a  loss  what  to  say, 
as  our  captain  is  undecided  about  laying  up  the 
boat,  and  the  wires  are  all  down.  I  do  assure 
you  the  purport  of  the  despatch  was  the  most 
gratifying  news  I  ever  received,  and  so  sur- 
prised too  as  to  scarcely  know  what  construc- 
tion to  put  upon  it.  But  although  reconciled 
in  my  mind,  the  doubt,  and  rejoiced  that  the 
unfortunate  war  had  closed,  the  allied  powers 
had  withdrawn  their  forces,  and  peace  once 
more  reigns  supreme;  and  may  the  day  be  far 
distant  when  those  social,  friendly  and  sacred 
relations  may  be  again  interrupted.  Here 


A  True  Romance  95 

Clinton  is  a  hand  to  give  and  a  heart  to  forgive, 
and  to  those  who  have  so  unjustly  been  blinded 
in  their  prejudices  towards  me.  I  am  willing 
to  forgive,  and  send  them  to  the  recording 
angel  that  a  tear  may  be  dropped  upon  the 
memory  of  their  acts  and  be  blotted  out  for- 
ever. I  too  will  nobly  cast  over  their  erring 
deeds  and  thoughts  the  broad  mantle  of  forget- 
fulness,  and  lull  to  sleep  in  its  ample  folds  those 
wounds  which  they  too  hastily  had  created, 
and  if  indulged  in  again  would  cause  to  bleed 
afresh  which  no  aftertime  might  heal. 

I  do  not  know  as  yet  whether  the  captain 
will  lay  the  boat  up  one,  two  or  three  weeks, 
and  from  that  fact  I  am  undecided  what  to  do ; 
will  despatch  you  in  a  day  or  two.  The  steamer 
"  S.  F.  J.  Trahie  "  has  been  sold  to  run  in  the 
Yicksburg  trade,  so  Captain  T—  -  and  Mr. 
Pigman  are  overboard.  The  captain's  family, 
I  understand,  are  on  a  visit  at  present  to 
Florida,  otherwise  I  would  have  called  upon 
her  ladyship  and  had  an  explanation  to  her 
statement  derogatory  to  my  character.  But  let 
it  go,  as  words  are  idle  now,  and  bitter  recrim- 
inations vain.  Enclosed  please  find  a  letter  to 
Miss  Nannie,  which  please  do  me  the  kindness 


96  A  True  Romance 

to  hand  her  soon.  Touching  the  friendly  in- 
terest Clinton  you  and  your  estimable  family 
have  manifested  towards  me  in  this  association, 
be  pleased  to  accept  my  most  hearty  gratitude, 
and  may  it  soon  be  in  my  power  to  reciprocate 
the  kindness.  Remember  me  in  kind  regards 
to  the  family,  and  believe 

Yours  truly, 

ANTHONY. 

A  penned  epistle  to  an  admirer. 
To  Miss  W 

Well  I  wish  I  was  a  painter  I  should  die 
At  thirty  of  my  three  score  years  and  ten 
It  would  distil  my  life  so — why  to  sit 
For  hours  and  gaze  on  Innocence,  to  look  in 
Beneath  a  lifted  lash  upon  an  eye 
And  drink  up  its  expression  till  my  skill 
Could  breathe  it  into  color — to  be  set, 
To  imitate  a  spell  that  in  my  veins 
Was  thrilling  like  the  music  of  a  sphere, 
To  gaze  and  gaze  upon  a  ripe  red  lip, 
Till  I  could  make  one  like  it  and  arrest 
A  smile  that  could  make  angels  loiter 
And  not  be  children — Hang  me  E 


A  True  Romance  97 

If  the  thoughts  don't  burn  me  up. 
I'll  go  to  Italy,  will  you  go  along? 

AN  ENTHUSIAST. 

THE   BRIDESMAID. 

The  bridal's  glittering  pageantry  is  o'er, 
Dancing  is  weary,  and  the  joy  of  song 
Tired  with  its  own  wild  sweetness,  dies  away; 
Music  is  hushed,  the  flower  arcaded  halls 
Cease  to  prolong  the  bursts  of  festive  glee; 
For  even  luxury  itself  is  satiate, 
And  pleasure's  drowsy  train  demands  repose; 
But  see  the  dawn's  gray  streaks  are  stealing 

through 

The  high-arched  windows  of  a  stately  room, 
Shedding  a  pale  light  on  the  paler  brow 
Of  one  who,  with  a  breaking  heart,  hath  stol'n 
From  the  gay  revels  of  that  jocund  night 
To  vent  freely  unpitied  agony  alone; 
In  fearful  immobility  of  frame 
And  feature  sits  she  in  her  blank  despair, 
Like  the  sculptured  mourner  on  a  tomb, 
When  silent  woe — but  oh,  not  woe  like  hers, 
Whose  every  pulse  doth  vibrate  with  a  pang 
Too  stern  for  tears;  Her  dark,  dilated  eye 
Is  fixed  on  things  she  sees  not  nor  regards; 


98  A  True  Romance 

Her  silent  lute  lies  near,  its  chords  no  more 
Shall  wake  responsive  to  her  skillful  touch. 
For  he  who  praised  its  sounds  and  lived  to  see 
Her   white   hands  busy   with   its   murmuring 

strings 

Hath  made  all  music  discord  to  her  soul. 
Gems  that  a  princess  might  be  proud  to  wear 
Are  sparkling  at  her  sight — but  what  alas 
Are  gems  to  her  who  hath  beheld  the  hopes, 
The  cherished  hopes,  of  life  forever  crush'd 
And  withering  in  the  dust  like  yon  gay  wreath 
Which  she  hath  in  her  bitter  anguish  torn 
From  the  sad  and  aching  brow  it  lately  gar- 
landed, 

And  bade  her  maidens  hang  it  on  her  tomb. 
Invidious  eyes  were  on  her  when  she  stood 
Before  the  altar  with  bridal  train. 
Of    her    false    love — aye    those    who    coldly 

scanned 

Her  looks  and  bearing,  eager  to  detect 
The  struggling  pangs  which  woman's  tremb- 
ling pride 

In  that  dread  hour  had  nerved  her  to  conceal 
Beneath  the  haughty  semblance  of  disdain 
Or  calm  indifference,  when  the  man  she  loved 
Plighted  his  perjured  vows  to  other  ears. 


A  True  Romance  99 

A  knell  to  hers  at  which  life's  roseate  tints 
Fled  back  affrightened  never  to  return 
To  her  pale  cheek,  whose  marble  hue  betrayed 
The  tearless  bridemaid's  secret  agony. 
The  task  is  o'er,  and  she  is  now  alone 
Musing  o'er  memory  of  hopes  that  were 
But  are  for  her  nothing  but  vanishing  dreams. 
Are  they  for  which  she  mourns,  she'd  mourn 

no  more 

Could  she  behold  him  as  he  really  is, 
Stripped  of  the  veil  in  which  too  partial  love 
Hath  dressed  its  idol,  she  would  turn  away 
And  marvel  that  a  heart  so  pure  as  hers 
Had  wasted  tenderness  on  one  like  him. 

Thus  ends  the  love  letters  of  courtship  to 
one  whose  love  never  diminished,  but  contin- 
ued with  a  fire  and  enthusiasm  that  was  never 
quenched  while  life  lasted.  Thus  runs  true  love 
that  was  real,  that  fiction  writers  cannot  imi- 
tate, and  is  the  spontaneous  outpouring  of  the 
heart  to  the  object  of  his  affections.  Evidently 
from  the  following  letters  it  was  a  runaway 
after  all.  They  were  married  at  St.  Louis, 
Mo.,  by  James  L.  Watts,  a  Methodist  minister, 
I  having  the  certificate  in  my  possession.  One 


ioo  A  True  Romance 

year  after,  stopping  at  the  hotel,  in  St.  Louis, 
he  comments  on  the  sacred  vows  they  avowed 
a  year  previous.  We  have  yet  in  store  a  rich 
lot  of  letters  that  will  show  to  the  world  a  man, 
though  married,  should  never  cease  the  gal- 
lant, gentlemanly  courtesies  that  are  due  the 
wife  of  his  bosom  that  make  up  the  sum  of  life 
a  rich  whole;  that  makes  life  with  all  its  varied 
experiences  a  haven  of  rest  to  the  tired,  weary 
soul,  for  "  no  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flesh, 
but  nourisheth  and  cherisheth  it  even  as  Christ 
the  church." 

Miss  Marsh's  father  was  so  opposed  to  her 
marrying  that  he  offered  her  a  thousand  dol- 
lars in  diamonds  and  a  trip  to  Europe  not  to 
marry  Mr.  Anthony. 

They  were  married  December  7th,  1855. 

First  letter  after  marriage : 

ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  FLORIDA, 
VICKSBURG,  December  17,  '55. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  AFFECTIONATE  WlFE  : 

I  trust,  my  dear  Nannie,  your  sojourn  at 
our  good  sister  Henrietta's  has  been  pleasant, 
and  all  your  expectations  fully  realized. 


A  True  Romance  101 

Doubtless  many  of  your  New  Albany  friends 
have  waited  upon  you,  with  the  usual  mani- 
festations of  long  life  full  of  usefulness  and 
happiness.  The  presumed  anticipations  hoped 
for  by  those  who  have  just  entered  upon  a  new 
state  of  existence,  which  life  only  once  may 
know — with  all  its  sweet  promises  and  smiles. 
Ere  you  will  have  time  to  intercept  another  let- 
ter, the  drawing  of  a  new  year  will  have  risen 
upon  us.  Permit  me,  my  dear  Nannie,  to  wish 
you  and  all  of  us  a  very  many  happy  returns 
of  the  same,  each  one  witnessing  to  ourselves 
and  the  world  that  we  have  not  lived  in  vain, 
but  as  useful  and  worthy  members  of  society 
exercising  an  influence  which  shall  descend  in 
blessing  upon  ours  and  our  posterity.  You 
have  met  with  your  father,  perhaps,  and  I  in- 
dulge the  fond  hope  that  you  were  received 
kindly,  at  least  respectfully.  As  for  your  aunt, 
I  do  not  care  a  straw  whether  she  does  or  does 
not  ever  visit  you.  But  as  far  as  I  am  con- 
cerned I  am  willing  to  forgive  them,  and  in  the 
language  of  Holy  Writ,  exclaim,  "  Go  and  sin 
no  more."  We  laid  ty  a  few  evenings  since  in 
company  with  St'm'r  "  Antelope."  Mr.  Beeler 
the  clerk,  and  Captain  Brown  visited  our  boat 


io2  A  True  Romance 

and  was  not  aware  that  we  were  married,  but 
said  New  Albany  was  in  quite  a  furor  touching 
the  runaway  scrape,  and  a  small  individual 
about  your  name  and  size  associated  with  an 
Anthony  had  been  the  instigation  of  a  deal  of 
excitement  and  gossip,  which,  by  the  way,  was 
some  relief  from  the  dull  times.  I  cannot  as 
yet  inform  you  whether  we  load  for  the  Ohio 
or  not.  I  hope  so.  At  any  rate,  you  will  hear 
from  me  often.  Answer  this  at  Memphis. 
Will  get  it  on  the  up  trip.  Boat  about  leaving. 
Good  bye  and  God  bless  you  is  the  prayer  of 
Your  affectionate  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  FLORIDA, 

AT  NEW  ORLEANS, 

December  21,  '55. 
DEAR  NANNIE  : 

Enclosed  please  find  thirty  dollars  pin  money. 
Use  as  you  like,  according  to  your  good  wis- 
dom. Last  night,  much  against  my  inclination, 
I  was  induced  to  visit  the  Orleans  theatre  with 
our  Captain  and  Mr.  Steele.  The  opera  upon 
the  occasion  was  " Jerusalem"  with  an  ele- 


A  True  Romance  103 

gant  cast  and  a  fashionable  audience.  The 
elite  of  the  South  and  West  was  well  repre- 
sented, and  when  the  gorgeous  curtain  arose 
and  the  music  pealed  forth  its  seraphic  swell, 
the  garlands,  the  roses  odors,  the  sparkling 
eyes  from  fair  women,  flashing  ornaments, 
white  arms,  raven  tresses,  braids  and  bracelets, 
sfwan-like  bosoms,  flashing  betwixt  our  gaze 
and  the  stars,  all  the  delusion  of  the  giddy 
scene,  art  and  nature  in  its  false  and  true  en- 
chantment, such,  my  dearest  Nannie,  was  the 
adventure  of  last  night;  and  only  one  regret 
pervaded  my  soul,  that  you  were  not  with  me 
to  realize  and  appreciate  the  scene.  Oh,  how 
I  sympathize  with  those  who  have  not  the  op- 
portunity nor  senses  to  see  the  perfect  and 
beautiful  works  of  nature  and  art,  nor  hear  the 
sweet  symphonies  of  nature,  nor  have  powers 
of  speech  to  carol  forth  the  best  and  purest 
aspirations  of  the  heart  and  soul.  Our  mutual 
friend  and  cousin,  James  Seabrook,  is  here — 
sends  his  best  regards  to  you,  but  does  not  go 
on  the  St'm'r  "  Sultana."  From  that  fact  his 
better  feelings  are  crushed,  but  phoenix-like, 
his  worth  and  excellence  will  still  rise  above 


104  A  True  Romance 

the  sordid  and  recreant  acts  of  this  world  and 
meet  with  its  just  reward  in  the  fulness  of 
time. 

Call  upon  his  wife.  Rebecca  is  one  of  the 
noblest  of  natures.  My  disappointment  is 
poignant  in  not  being  able  to  meet  you  at 
Louisville,  but  trust  to  do  so  ere  long.  In  the 
meantime,  my  fondest  and  best,  be  reconciled, 
though  the  struggle  is  keen,  and  when  the 
realization  of  best  anticipation  is  developed, 
the  joy  will  be  doubly  sweet. 

Ever  your  devoted  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

My  prayers  through  all  time  circumstances 
ever  are  offered  up  for  heaven's  protecting 
power. 

ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  FLORIDA, 
AT  MEMPHIS,  December  29,  '55. 

MY  DEAREST,  AFFECTIONATE  WlFE  : 

I  am  pleased  to  learn  of  your  good  health 
and  contentment  at  sister  Henri's,  and  trust 
you  may  continue  so  until  we  meet.  Then  a 
joy  beyond  that  shall  be  realized  to  us.  When 
that  wildly  welcomed  time  may  come,  I  at 
present  cannot  prophesy.  Time,  although  con- 


A  True  Romance  105 

sidered  rapid  in  its  flight,  seems,  my  dearest, 
to  pass  wearily  by,  when  absent  from  all  I  hold 
fond  and  sacred  on  earth.  Cheer  up,  my  little 
one.  Hope  points  its  irradiating  beams  to 
better  days  and  a  bright  future.  Borne  of  sad 
circumstances,  or  wafted  by  the  waters  far 
from  you,  be  thou  the  star  that  guides  the 
wanderer.  Thou,  thou,  my  sweet  Nannie, 
share  and  bless  my  humble  lot,  the  dove  of 
peace  and  promise  to  my  heart,  the  rainbow  of 
the  storms  of  life  to  soothe  each  sorrow,  share 
in  each  delight,  blend  every  thought  of  happi- 
ness in  one.  Nannie,  I  never  gazed  upon  thy 
sweet  face,  so  wildly  spiritually,  intelligently 
bright,  and  turned  away  to  the  cold  world  with- 
out regret  to  think  that  happiness  was  so  brief. 
Even  now  I  wish  for  wings  to  flee  away  and 
be  with  you  and  commingle  my  love  with  yours 
eternal.  But  such  for  the  present  is  imperative 
destiny,  yet,  my  dear  Nannie,  all  is  well  that 
ends  well.  Permit  me  to  wish  you,  our  fam- 
ily and  friends  a  merry,  a  happy  Christmas 
and  New  Year. 

What  has  been  our  fondest  hopes,  our  high- 
est aspirations,  since  the  closing  of  the  last  year, 
we  at  least  have  been  successful  in  the  great 


io6  A  True  Romance 

wish  of  our  hearts  and  the  grand  scheme  of 
life  in  being  united,  and  that  is  Christmas  and 
New  Year  enough  for  me.  Then  let  us  banish 
every  cloud  of  sorrow  from  within  the  sphere 
of  our  actions  and  let  the  bright  sky  of  happi- 
ness beam  bright  over  our  future  career  on 
these  great  days  and  all  after  time,  is  the  earn- 
est prayer  of  your  own  Anthony.  The  weather 
has  been  bitter  cold  all  the  way  up.  At  Natchez 
it  snowed,  it  is  predicted  we  will  have  a 
cold  winter;  what  will  become  of  those  poor 
creatures  who  have  no  fire,  no  clothing,  and 
but  little  food.  I  pity  them,  and  had  I  the 
wealth  of  Croesus  would  make  them  all  com- 
fortable. The  immaculate  and  incomparable 
Mrs.  W arrived  at  New  Orleans  the  even- 
ing before  we  left  and  had  sent  for  cousin  James 
to  escort  her  to  lodging.  She  asked  if  he  had 
seen  our  new  relative,  and  he  replied  in  the 
affirmative.  He  is  well  and  hard  at  work.  She 
said  she  hoped  I  would  prosper  and  be  happy; 
regretted  we  had  run  away,  and  remarked  if 
we  had  waited  a  time  and  got  married  respect- 
ably she  would  have  given  us  a  grand  wedding 
party,  and  you  my  dear  Nannie,  an  outfit,  to 
say  an  elegant  wardrobe.  What  a  pity  you  got 


A  True  Romance  107 

cut  out  of  all  those  good  clothes.  Hem — 
\veugh — wardrobe.  Perhaps  the  $100  diamond 
ring  which  you  did  not  get  upon  a  former 
occasion,  would  have  been  forthcoming,  well, 
I  don't  think  you  will  go  uncomfortably  clad, 
nor  get  in  a  state  of  nudity  for  want  of  those 
envious  jewels  or  rustling  silks.  James  gently 
rebuked  her  in  the  stubborn  and  unnatural 
stand  she  had  taken  in  our  affairs,  and  she  wept 
tears  of  anguish.  Poor  woman,  I  have  yet 
charity  enough  to  wish  her  peace  of  mind  and 
content,  but  conscience  does  make  cowards  of 
us  all,  and  that  faithful  monitor  has  but  little 
consolation  for  her.  I  had  gone  on  board  the 
NYhite  to  get  a  Louisville  paper.  There  I  ob- 
served the  lady  in  the  distance,  perhaps  it  lent 
enchantment  to  the  view.  She  doubtless  saw 
me,  but  made  no  manifestation  of  recognition. 
If  she  had  I  would  have  treated  her  respectfully. 
As  it  is  no  matter,  all  further  comments  or  re- 
flections upon  her  are  idle,  let  her  go  and  may 
she  be  happy.  All  I  would  claim  from  her  is 
the  charity  of  her  silence.  Do  please  stir  up 
your  letter-writing  qualities,  for  they  are  not 
limited,  and  see  if  you  cannot  send  me  a  mortal 
long  document.  You  need  not  be  particular  to 


io8  A  True  Romance 

make  them  like  angel's  visits,  few  and  far  be- 
tween, but  the  more  the  better;  our  boat  is 
famous  for  its  quiet,  no  passengers,  men  nor 
women,  to  bother  us.  As  for  solitude  we  have 
our  fill,  and  think  I  would  make  a  very  good 
Zimmerman  No.  2,  as  my  mind  is  less  free 
from  the  excitement  of  hum  of  crowd,  I  can 
have  consolation  in  thinking  of  home  and  thee, 
my  little  Nannie.  A  grand  occasion  to  wear 
out  old  clothes.  No  stewardess  to  wash,  no 
barber  to  shave,  no  barkeeper  to  deal  out  vil- 
lainous poison;  so  there  is  a  fine  opening  to 
reform  and  make  good  men  out  of  us.  I  hope 
my  dear  Nannie,  the  statement  relative  to  your 
father  burning  our  letters  unopened  may  prove 
untrue.  I  have  a  better  opinion  of  him  than 
to  suppose  he  could  be  so  totally  lost  to  every 
sense  of  charity,  forgiveness,  and  affection,  as 
not  to  at  least  deign  to  hear  what  we  had  to 
say  on  a  subject  so  important,  and  one  which 
I  had  hoped  now  would,  after  so  long  a  family 
feud,  be  wrapped  up  in  the  mantle  of  forgetful- 
ness.  It  is  time  this  war  should  close,  it  has 
been  protracted  already  too  long,  we  have  done 
no  wrong,  should  fear  no  harm,  be  just  then 
and  let  approving  conscience  harmonize  the  dis- 


A  True  Romance  109 

pensation  with  us.  Bitter  recriminations,  strife 
and  contention  were  never  tenants  of  my  head 
or  heart.  They  have  no  business  there ;  Peace, 
Peace,  thy  ways  are  pleasant,  and  may  our 
footsteps  be  ever  guided  lightly  and  cheerfully 
through  all  her  paths.  My  dear  Nannie  you 
write  at  times  as  though  your  mind  becomes 
touched  with  skepticism  and  your  heart  a  sus- 
picious sanctuary,  relative  to  my  pure  love  and 
disinterested  idolatry,  have  no  fears,  my  best 
one  on  that  score.  In  giving  you  my  hand  I 
gave  you  a  heart  with  its  true,  loyal,  and  honest 
impulses,  which  was  all  I  had,  and  then  deemed 
the  gift  but  as  poverty,  because  I  had  no  more 
to  give.  In  return  you  gave  your  all,  the  im- 
mediate jewels  of  woman's  existence,  love  and 
constancy. 

TO   MY   WIFE. 

Give  me  the  hand  that  firmly  in  mine 
Speaks  in  its  grasp,  I  am  worthy  of  thine. 
Tho'  wild  be  the  path  as  onward  we  stray, 
I'll  hold  that  hand  dearer,  the  darker  our  way. 
If  such  be  our  fond  ties  and  such  be  our  love, 
Mingling  on  earth,  may  they  mingle  above. 
A  true  heart  hath  its  own  in  fondness  and  fears, 
And  seeks  that  one  home  in  joy  or  in  tears. 


no  A  True  Romance 

When  you  visit  New  Albany,  the  first  and 
last  scene  of  our  sorrows  and  joys,  remember 
me  to  all  our  relatives  and  friends  in  the  kindest 
manner.  I  may  as  well  set  my  seal  upon  this 
sheet. 

Your 

ANTHONY. 

LOUISVILLE,  January  5,  1856. 

MY  DEAREST  HUSBAND: 

I  have  been  so  uncertain  in  regard  to  the  boat 
getting  to  this  place  that  I  have  not  attempted 
to  write.  I  had  cherished  the  hope  that  in  a 
few  days  I  would  meet  you.  Would  I  could 
see  you  to-day.  It  seems  a  long,  long  time 
since  we  parted.  I  have  now  the  assurance 
that  I  can  see  you  in  the  course  of  time,  and  I 
trust  ere  long;  but  there  was  once  a  time  my 
soul  yearned  toward  you,  and  could  only  in- 
dulge a  fond  hope  of  meeting  you,  but  all  has 
not  proved  to  me  a  delusion,  and  how  happy 
and  content  I  am.  I  have  no  other  thought  but 
of  you,  and  how  I  should  retain  your  devotion 
by  pure  motives  of  my  own,  for  my  own  Mark, 
your  welfare  and  happiness  are  dear  to  me;  and 
if  I  could  ever  add  to  your  comfort  in  any 


A  True  Romance  1 1 1 

sense,  believe  no  effort  could  be  too  great  I 
spent  my  Christmas  holiday  with  my  New 
Albany  friends,  where  I  was  kindly  greeted 
during  that  time.  I  never  once  met  father.  I 
would  go  to  him  Mark,  if  I  could  avail  any- 
thing. But  he  is  singularly  disappointed,  that 
I  think  the  less  he  is  approached  the  better  for 
us.  He  has  said  perhaps  he  had  treated  me 
harshly;  but  he  forms  his  conclusions  and  is 
obstinately  tenacious  of  them.  I  have  no  doubt 
that  in  time  he  will  discover  his  own  error  in 
taking  such  a  position.  Do  you  think,  dear 
Mark,  that  if  Aunt  Add  should  exhibit  any  in- 
clination to  become  our  friend  it  would  be 
through  disinterested  motives.  I  may  judge 
her  wrong,  but  I  cannot  think  so.  When  she 
premeditatively  sought  to  destroy  my  peace  and 
happiness.  I  never  could  deny  any  one  for- 
giveness, but  I  cannot  forget  all.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  M have  gone  to  Wisconsin,  and  re- 
gretted leaving  until  they  could  meet  you  to 
congratulate  you  upon  your  good  success  in 
"  church  and  state  affairs."  I  accept  your 
humble  acknowledgment,  and  trust  the  real 
with  the  ideal  will  be  duly  at  hand  ere  long,  I 
wish  the  quietude  of  the  boat  would  in  some 


112  A  True  Romance 

degree  be  the  means  of  your  leading  a  good 
life,  for  we  should  all  try  to  be  as  good  as  pos- 
sible. I  heard  from  your  sister  Annie,  she  had 
just  received  the  papers  containing  our  mar- 
riage notice,  and  your  father  had  just  received 
your  letter  dated  from  St.  Louis.  Annie  is 
rejoiced  to  hear  of  our  marriage,  and  also  your 
father  and  mother.  Think  of  me  often,  dearest 
Mark,  as  one  who  will  strive  to  prove  worthy 
of  your  love.  Good  bye,  and  may  I  always 
be  to  you  a  fond  affectionate  wife. 

NANNIE  L.  ANTHONY. 

DIAMOND  ISLAND, 
ON  BOARD  ST'M'R  FLORIDA. 

Here  we  are  at  this  place  frozen  up,  and  the 
ice  gorged  fifty  yards  on  each  side.  Boat  is  in 
a  very  critical  position,  the  rudder  cut  away, 
hog  chains  broken,  careened  over  and  leaking. 
No  boat  can  get  to  us  to  render  assistance,  so 
we  have  all  got  the  horrors.  No  money  and 
but  few  provisions.  Have  left  our  down  trip 
unsettled  at  New  Orleans,  having  but  a  few 
dollars  on  board,  otherwise  some  of  the  officers 
would  go  to  their  homes.  Rest  content  until 
you  hear  from  or  see  me.  It  does  seem,  my; 


A  True  Romance  113 

dearest  Nannie,  as  though  fate  warred  against 
us.  We  were  separated  almost  from  our  earliest 
acquaintance,  through  our  courtship,  and  after 
our  marriage,  sad  destiny.  But  these  vicissi- 
tudes, coming  so  early  now,  I  think  may  be 
the  precursor  of  a  better  and  happier  hereafter. 
Beware  of  prosperity  and  firm  in  adversity,  you 
will  be  cherished  and  protected  I  trust  until  I 
meet  you.  May  it  not  be  long.  Your  ever  de- 
voted and  affectionate  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

Miss  Marsh  was  sixteen  years  and  a  few 
months  old  when  married. 

MOUNT  VERNON,  January  13,  '56. 

MY  BELOVED  AND  HONORED  WlFE  : 

Mr.  Steele  and  myself  are  here  after  a  cold 
walk  of  ten  miles  from  our  boat  laying  above 
to  procure  provisions,  having  run  short  of  cof- 
fee, sugar,  meat,  etc.  Our  packet  still  lies  in  a 
precarious  position.  The  ice  is  now  gorged 
and  frozen  on  both  sides,  for  one  hundred 
yards,  the  river  has  fallen  some  four  or  five 
feet  since  we  first  grounded,  and  the  weather 
yet  very  cold,  with  but  a  faint  prospect  of 


ii4  A  True  Romance 

moderation.  The  boat  is  leaking  freely,  and 
has  damaged  considerable  freight  in  the  hold; 
nothing  short  of  a  general  break  up  and  rise 
will  do  any  good.  From  thence  we  will  be 
o  >mpelled  to  go  on  the  way  at  Paducah  for 
repairs.  It  may  be  few  days,  may  be  months. 
Could  I  predict  that  result  definitely  at  any 
future  time  I  would  venture  to  Louisville  to 
see  you,  my  dear  Nannie,  at  any  cost  or  diffi- 
culty. We  paid  off  half  our  deck  crew  with 
due  bills  yesterday,  and  the  officers  under  half 
pay.  Tight  papers,  but  cannot  be  avoided. 
The  Captain,  Mr.  Steele,  myself  and  all  hands 
half  dead  with  the  blues  in  the  middle  of  the 
river,  with  the  most  dangerous  difficulty  to 
make  the  shore  on  urgent  business.  No  town 
above  or  below  us,  nearer  than  eight  or  ten 
miles.  I  met  with  an  individual,  Mr.  Ferris, 
of  Nashville,  on  the  steamer  "  Lebanon," 
which  boat  lightened  off  part  of  our  cargo, 
who  seemed  to  be  acquainted  with  many  per- 
sons of  New  Albany.  Among  the  rest  I  in- 
terrogated him  relative  to  a  lady  of  the  name 
of  Miss  Marsh,  who  ran  away  recently  with  a 
gentleman  by  the  name  of  Anthony  and  was 
married.  He  stated  he  was  not  acquainted 


A  True  Romance  115 

with  the  Anthony,  but  had  met  you  but  a  few 
days  previous  at  your  aunt's,  little  dreaming 
I  was  the  aforesaid  benedict.  It  was  quite 
amusing,  and  from  the  fact  of  his  meeting  you 
in  New  Albany,  I  was  at  a  loss  to  know 
whether  you  were  located  there  or  only  on  a 
visit.  Hence,  I  scarcely  knew  where  to  direct 
my  letters.  Well,  my  great  little  good  woman, 
I  have  received  but  one  letter  since  I  left  you 
last.  Doubtless  you  have  written  several  to 
be  interrupted  at  points  below,  so  they  will  be 
doubly  welcome  when  they  come.  Write  im- 
mediately on  receipt  of  this,  for  I  am  nearly 
crazed  to  hear  from  you,  the  only  creature  on 
earth  whom  I  am  interested  in  and  linked  to  by 
ties  the  most  sacred  and  dear,  ties  such  as  a 
perfect  existence  in  all  its  joys  and  sorrows 
may  once  know,  and  rounds  up  the  sweetest 
harmonies  of  life  into  a  perfect  bliss,  which 
-nothing  here  below  can  give  or  take  away. 
But  the  bright  particular  creature  itself  with 
all  its  promises,  smiles  and  holy  oracles.  Thus 
you,  my  dearest  Nannie,  are  the  talisman 
which,  like  oil  on  the  tempestuous  billows  of 
life's  stormy  sea,  calms  and  soothes  its  troubles, 
and  without  the  consolation  of  knowing  there 


1 1 6  A  True  Romance 

was  an  eye  that  watched  my  coming  and  would 
look  brighter  when  I  came,  and  a  fond  heart 
which  throbbed  in  unison  with  mine  in  weal  or 
woe,  this  world  with  all  its  high  hopes  and 
noble  aspirations  would  moulder  cold  and  low. 
But  as  it  is,  I  entwine  my  hopes  with  thine  my 
fond  one,  and  thus  lend  an  additional  charm  to 
all  the  manifold  circumstances  of  a  transitory 
existence,  which  makes  up  the  sum  of  happi- 
ness and  prosperity,  the  chief  aim  and  end  of 
all  mortality.  Answer  and  address,  Mount 
Vernon,  Ind.  To-morrow,  Monday  the  I4th, 
Mr.  Steele  and  I  foot  it  back  to  the  boat,  hav- 
ing sent  our  groceries  up  on  an  ox  team,  a 
cold  weary  pedestrian  feat,  but  we  are  warmly 
clad  and  will  get  bravely  over  it  in  a  few  days. 
It  seems  as  though  all  travel  on  the  packet's 
business  devolves  upon  us  to  accomplish  well. 
We  will  endeavor  to  prove  worthy  and  compe- 
tent for  all  calls  of  emergency,  as  Richelieu 
famously  says  in  the  bright  lexicon  of  youth, 
there  should  be  no  such  word  as  fail.  My  dear 
Nannie  I  should  have  written  the  Judge,  Mark, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ladd,  and  all  our  family,  but  the 
fact  is,  under  existing  circumstances  I  am  at  a 
loss  what  to  say  to  them  that  is  amusing,  use- 


A  True  Romance  117 

ful  or  witty,  so  concentrated  all  in  writing  to 
you,  which  affords  me  more  pleasure  than  all 
else.  Yet  a  just  sense  of  duty  and  courtesy 
should  prompt  me  otherwise.  Say  to  them  not 
to  think  I  have  forgotten  them  nor  their  kind- 
ness, for  no  continued  effort  on  my  part  could 
fully  reciprocate  the  many  generous  acts  which 
I  have  been  the  recipient  of.  Present  my  very 
best  regards  to  all,  and  believe  ever  your  de- 
voted and  affectionate  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

LOUISVILLE,  January  16,  '56. 

MY  BEST  BELOVED  HUSBAND  : 

I  am  thankful  I  find  a  favorable  opportunity 
of  writing  you  a  few  lines,  for  if  you  anxiously 
awaited  intelligence  from  one  beloved  as  I 
have  strived  patiently  to  hear  from  or  see  you, 
a  letter  would  be  extremely  gratifying,  which 
I  have  no  doubt  my  dearest  Mark  such  is  the 
case  with  you.  But  a  few  moments  ago  I  re- 
ceived your  letter  from  Mount  Vernon. 
Thanks  to  the  papers  which  have  in  some  de- 
gree enabled  me  to  learn  a  few  particulars  of 
the  situation  of  the  boat,  and  I  assure  you 
have  been  carefully  watched  every  morning  to 


1 1 8  A  True  Romance 

gain  further  knowledge.  For  a  time  I  in- 
dulged a  fond  hope  of  meeting,  but  each  morn- 
ing brought  no  cherished  form  whom  I  might 
welcome  from  my  inner  soul.  Why  is  it,  my 
beloved  Mark,  that  cruel  fate  serves  us.  \Yhen 
will  the  long  wished  for  time  arrive  when  we 
shall  meet,  would  to  heaven  that  time  were 
here  now;  but  I  will  not  murmur,  and  banish 
each  regret  hoping  all  is  for  the  best.  What  a 
dreary,  monotonous  time  you  have  spent  amid 
ice  and  cold  weather.  How  I  longed  to  be 
with  you  to  share  your  solitude,  and  relieve 
you  of  that  dreadful  malady,  the  "  blues."  I 
can  truly  sympathize  with  you  from  experi- 
ence. I  feel  light-hearted  this  evening  my  own 
dear  one,  which  always  is  the  consequences  of 
the  reception  of  a  letter  from  my  husband,  who 
is  far  dearer  to  me  than  all  earthly  beings,  and 
I  wish  I  could  at  all  times  find  sentiments  to 
express  my  real  and  true  feelings,  which  seem 
to  fail  me  at  the  time  most  wished  for.  In 
future  I  will  give  evidence  by  actions  if  not  by 
words,  my  dear  Mark,  of  my  devotion,  affec- 
tion, love.  On  last  Wednesday  the  thermome- 
ter stood  at  twenty  degrees  below  zero  at  six 


A  True  Romance  119 

o'clock  in  the  morning.    The  river  at  this  point 
yesterday  was  entirely  frozen  over. 

THURSDAY  MORNING. 
DEAREST  MARK  : 

Bedtime  came  before  I  finished  your  letter, 
and  after  a  long  and  pleasant  dream,  awoke 
and  find  t'was  but  a  dream ;  would  I  could  real- 
ize it,  for  I  was  with  you.  Be  assured,  dearest 
Mark,  I  am  constantly  thinking  of  you  and 
your  desolate  place,  where  there  is  no  one  to 
cheer  you  or  sympathize  with  you.  Good  bye 
my  best  loved  one.  Heaven  protect  you  from 
all  danger. 

Your  faithful  and  devoted  wife, 

N.  L.  ANTHONY. 

EVANSVILLE,  IND.,  February,  1856. 

MY   DEAR   AND   MOST   AFFECTIONATE   WlFE : 

On  my  arrival  here  at  hotel  the  first  person 
I  met  was  the  partner  of  my  St.  Bt.  career, 
Mr.  Steele,  anxiously  waiting  my  arrival.  I 
was  right  glad  to  see  him.  Steele  is  one  of  the 
noblest  of  nature.  He  enquired  particularly 
kind  after  my  (better  half)  and  hoped  you 


I2O  A  True  Romance 

were  blessed,  happy  and  healthy  in  being  the 
partner  of  an  unfortunate  river  character.  Of 
course  I  replied  we  should  ever  be  the  two 
former,  as  for  the  latter  I  did  not  say  anything 
about  your  being  as  fat  as  our  friend  Miss 

J .    Met  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Faucett,  with  whom 

I  had  a  long  conversation  about  New  Albany 
and  ourselves  in  particular.  She  warmly  con- 
gratulated me  in  my  final  triumph  and  success 
in  marrying  (an  estimable  young  lady  for 
whom  she  had  a  very  high  regard.)  On 
Tuesday  weather  became  quite  cold.  Had  I 
have  known  the  result  I  could  have  remained 
with  you  longer,  my  dearest  Nannie,  which 
would  have  afforded  me  infinite  pleasure.  But 
orders  must  be  obeyed  if  owner  are  broken 
and  hearts  well  nigh  too.  I  did  not  fully  real- 
ize the  idea  of  parting  with  one  to  whom  I 
had  treasured  up  in  my  heart  of  hearts  the  fond 
hope  of  being  with  in  this  transitory  life,  and 
forever  in  eternity,  hereafter  until  I  had  gone. 
The  full  force  and  realization  flashed  sadly  and 
keenly  on  my  heart  and  soul,  and  gave  vent  to 
tears  in  secret  and  in  silence,  which  were  too 
sacred  to  be  made  the  gaze  and  comment  of 
cold,  vulgar  subjects  who  have  but  little  sym- 


A  True  Romance  121 

pathy  in  common  with  the  better  attributes  of 
refined  natures.  But  to  me  it  was  relief  which 
naught  else  could  give,  but  the  presence  and 
appreciation  of  her  for  whom  they  were  shed. 
It  is  a  weakness  which  the  world  usually  smiles 
upon,  but  in  my  estimation  a  manly  virtue,  and 
nature's  mark  to  know  an  honest  heart  by.  My 
fondest,  best  Nannie,  do  not  forget  to  send 
Mr.  Woodruff  his  "  Byron,"  nor  the  other  gen- 
tleman, "  Bronson's  Elocutions,"  and  my  ac- 
knowledgment for  their  kindness.  And,  oh, 
how  I  love  thee  Nannie.  There  is  not  one 
single  glance  of  thine,  absent  or  present,  but 
that  looms  up  in  this  dome  of  thought  and 
palace  of  the  soul,  but  that  wanders  to  a  heart 
whose  fountain  is  deep  and  pure,  and  seeks  for 
a  mingling  response  in  thine.  Why  are  dreams 
of  night  denied  me,  which  otherwise  in  thy 
form  and  face  would  meet  with  brightest  pic- 
tures, that  fancy's  magic  power  ever  mantled 
the  heart  and  soul  with,  bliss  ineffably  sublime ; 
oh,  I  would  have  thee  Nannie  soar  above 
earth's  narrow,  sordid  impulses  and  associa- 
tions until  thy  bold,  unfaltering  onward  march 
would  tread  unaided  in  the  Heavens,  and  in 
thy  little  griefs  and  sorrows  be  the  moon  shed- 


122  A  True  Romance 

ding  its  calm  light  to  dispel  the  dark  troubled 
sky,  or  as  some  fixed  star  whose  irradiating 
beams  should  ever  meet  thy  upward  vision  in 
sweetest  rays. 

Upon  the  inspiration  wrote  this  apostrophe 
to  you,  so  the  spell  is  broken  for  the  moment. 
My  dear  Nannie,  make  it  convenient  if  possi- 
ble, to  meet  your  father  and  have  a  good  long 
talk  with  him.  It  would  do  you  both  good. 
Give  my  love  to  all  the  Anthony  family,  and 
kiss  the  female  portion,  and  children. 

M.  ANTHONY. 

APOSTROPHE  TO  THE  HEAVENS 

Tis  midnight  on  the  mountain's  brow, 
The  cold  round  moon  shines  deeply  down ; 
Blue  roll  the  waters,  blue  the  sky 
Spreads  like  an  ocean  hung  on  high, 
Bespangled  with  those  isles  of  light 
So  wildly,  spiritually,  beautifully  bright. 
Who  ever  gazed  upon  them  shining, 
And  turned  to  earth  without  repining; 
Nor  wished  for  wings  to  flee  away 
And  mix  with  their  eternal  ray, 
Rapt  in  the  fond  forgetfulness  of  life, 
Nannie  the  Indiana  girl  is  all  a  wife, 


A  True  Romance  123 

With  no  distracting  society  to  call  her  off 
From  love,  with  no  hollow  hearts  to  scoff 
Of  coxcombry;  in  admiration  loud, 
Or  with  lascivious  whisper  to  alloy 
Her  duty  and  her  glory  and  her  joy, 
With  faith  and  feeling,  perfect  as  her  form, 
She  stood  as  stands  a  rainbow  in  a  storm, 
Changing  its  hues,  with  bright  variety 
But  still  expanding  lovelier  over  the  sky, 
How  e'er  its  arch  may  swell,  its  colors  move, 
The  cloud  compelling  harbinger  of  love — 

NEW  ALBANY,  February  20,  '56. 

MY  DEAR  HUSBAND: 

Your  letter  received  yesterday,  and  oh,  how 
I  regretted  your  stay  could  not  have  been  pro- 
longed. It  appears  we  can  doubly  appreciate 
one's  society  after  their  presence  can  enhance 
our  enjoyment  no  longer.  So  I  ever  find  it 
with  you.  My  dear  Mark,  the  time  of  your 
departure  could  not  be  realized  until  it  was  too 
late  to  recall  a  dear  one  to  console  an  almost 
bursting  heart,  but  when  you  come  again  mo- 
ments will  be  more  precious  still.  It  seems  I 
am  destined  not  to  meet  Pa,  for  I  think  it  is 
all  that  is  necessary  to  effect  a  reconciliation. 


1 24  A  True  Romance 

I  can  assure  you,  my  dear  Mark,  there  can  be 
no  greater  desire  on  my  part  to  meet  him  and 
have  us  restored  to  his  favor.  Prospects  are 
very  favorable  on  that  score,  for  he  sent  my 
music  to  me,  the  book  at  home,  and  said  I 
could  have  the  other  if  I  could  get  it.  I  sup- 
pose too,  when  I  visit  grandma  again,  I  will 
get  my  clothes,  as  he  told  her  he  did  not  care 
if  I  had  them.  When  Mrs.  Heaton  brought 
the  music  she  came  to  see  you,  and  was  very 
much  disappointed  at  not  finding  you  here,  and 
sends  her  best  respects,  and  declares  I  must  not 
neglect  to  send  for  her  next  time.  You  must 

write  H ,  Mark,  if  you  find  an  opportunity, 

for  I  wrote  and  told  her  you  intended  to  do  so, 
and  in  a  letter  I  received  a  few  days  since  she 
expressed  a  wish  that  you  would  write  to  her. 

Poor  H ,  there  are  no  circumstances  in  life 

that  can  render  her  as  happy  as  if  she  had  mar- 
ried her  heart's  choice.  Her  life  is  a  perfect 
mockery,  and  to  all  appearances  she  seems  to 
lead  a  life  of  peace;  but  how  often  has  she 
said  to  me  that  memory  will  forever  garner  the 
fragments  of  affection  for  the  lost  and  loved 
one.  How  sincerely  happy  we  should  be  in  our 
love  to  know  that  we  are  beloved,  for  when  we 


A  True  Romance  1 25 

love  truly  the  image  of  the  loved  one  is  always 
present  and  we  can  do  naught  but  what  is  sanc- 
tioned by  that  being.  My  heart  yielded  its  best 
impulses  to  one  who  I  knew  could  best  appre- 
ciate its  purest  and  noblest  sentiments;  may  my 
confidence  meet  with  a  just  merit,  and  I  am 
fully  recompensed.  I  obeyed  your  injunction 
in  returning  the  books,  and  calling  on  our  im- 
mediate friends.  Write  soon  again  for  I  am 
always  eager  to  hear  from  you.  Accept  dearest 
Mark,  my  best  love. 

Your  devoted  wife, 

N.  L.  ANTHONY 

STEAMER  FLORIDA, 
DIAMOND  ISLAND,  February  20,  '56. 

MY   DEAREST   AND   AFFECTIONATE   WlFE : 

Without  an  answer  to  my  last  from  Evans- 
ville,  I  am  constrained  to  write  again  from  an 
imperative  duty,  linked  with  an  idolatrous 
love,  which  with  thoughts  that  breathe,  and 
words  that  burn,  seems  too  feeble  to  syllable 
forth  the  inspirations  of  a  heart  whose  only 
pleasure  amid  these  dim  and  lonely  associations 
is  to  hold  sweet  and  perfect  communion.  Be- 
ing denied  that  happiness  orally  through  an  all- 


i  26  A  True  Romance 

relentless  destiny  which  thrusts  a  wide  chaos 
of  time  between  two  hearts  and  souls  that  echo 
the  same  pure  emotions,  and  vibrate  with  the 
same  touch  of  joy  or  sorrow,  Nannie,  why,  oh 
why,  does  cruel  fate  deal  with  us  so  harshly. 
Go  ask  the  coarse  and  cold,  the  humble  and 
illiterate,  the  poor  in  body  and  in  mind;  they 
all  have  the  satisfaction  of  the  domestic  hearth, 
but  we  of  nobler  nature  and  finer  essence  are 
denied  those  most  sacred  privileges  which  so 
round  up  the  sum  of  happiness  and  makes  this 
life  with  all  its  uncertainties  an  existence  worth 
living  for.  Divinity  Omnipotent,  being  spirit 
of  the  universe,  great  principle  of  all  that  I 
feel  perfect  and  just  or  immortal  within  my- 
self, whose  existence  I  believe  in,  because  I 
must  have  emanated  from  something  superior 
to  that  of  which  I  am  surrounded,  tell  me  why 
destiny  thus  wars  with  me,  and  point  out  a 
way  and  means  whereby  I  may  triumph  over 
the  sad  vicissitudes  of  life  and  mount  at  last 
the  high  pinnacle  worthily,  which  points  to  the 
acme  of  this  world's  good,  perfect  excellence, 
virtue  and  happiness ;  can  you  accord  this  long- 
ing, restless  spirit,  such  a  destiny.  If  in  my 
aspirations  to  be  thus  good  and  great,  my  hopes 


A  True  Romance  127 

overleap  this  mortal  destiny,  pardon  a  son  of 
earth  to  whom  was  given  those  abstruse  and 
hidden  impulses  to  mix  with  higher  spirits  than 
this  world  usually  gives.  So  far,  my  dear 
Nannie,  as  the  linking  of  our  fates  are  con- 
cerned in  that  sense  I  have  been  peculiarly  for- 
tunate, and  on  this  fact  I  am  blessed.  Well, 
well,  my  dearest  Nannie,  what  from  this  barren 
lonely  existence  do  we  realize,  it  seems  as 
though  my  senses  become  narrow,  and  my  rea- 
son at  times  becomes  obscure,  whose  veil 
mantles  this  earth  with  darkness  and  despond- 
ency until  right  and  wrong  seem  as  sheer  acci- 
dents, and  finite  creatures  grow  dim  and  pale 
lest  their  judgment  becomes  too  dazzling 
and  their  free  thoughts  be  crimes  and  earth 
have  too  much  intelligence.  God  bless  you  my 
purest  and  best  creature,  in  you  alone  I  live, 
move,  and  have  my  being,  without  that  holy 
spell,  which  binds  the  creature  to  the  creator, 
this  life  would  yield  but  little  to  crave,  so  for 
your  sake  I  will  banish  the  cruel  reflection  and 
endeavor  to  live  wisely  for  a  better  destiny. 
Here  we  a/e  yet  at  this  unfortunate  spot,  but 
with  prospect  of  getting  off  in  a  few  days,  liv- 
ing on  salt  meat  and  beans;  now  and  then  for 


128  A  True  Romance 

variety  beans  and  pork.  Don't  you  envy  our 
high  diet;  don't  think  any  of  us  will  get  the 
gout.  You  will,  my  dearest,  call  upon  all  our 
good  friends  and  present  them  my  best  compli- 
ments, regretting  the  weather  was  so  inclement, 
while  I  was  there  to  accompany  you,  and 
caused  us  to  forego  the  pleasure  it  would  have 
otherwise  afforded  us.  In  exchanging  those 
kind  civilities  which  polite  circles  have  in  ren- 
dering society  an  agreeable  charm,  with  that 
recent  sleeping  companion  of  yours,  cousin 
Estelle,  don't  lavish  all  your  tender  caresses, 
for  I  will  be  jealous,  and  fear  you  might  not 
have  so  many  for  me  on  my  return.  Well, 
Nannie,  please  excuse  me.  I  like  at  times  to  in- 
dulge in  those  little  pleasantries,  it  is  a  relief 
from  more  sober  reflections.  Now  my  dear, 
good  woman,  see  if  you  cannot,  in  answer, 
write  your  husband  a  mortal  long  letter.  Tell 
me  all  about  yourself,  for  all  else  but  you  and 
yours  and  our  family  is  uninteresting.  My 
best  love,  save  which  is  for  yourself  first  and 
last,  present  to  the  family.  Twelve  o'clock. 
Good  night.  Your  devoted  and  affectionate 

Husband, 
ANTHONY. 


A  True  Romance  129 

EVANSVILLE, 

THE  LORD'S  DAY,  February  24,  '56. 

MY  DEAR  BELOVED  AND  HONORED  WlFE  I 

I  am  constrained  to  write,  being  the  only 
source  of  happiness  left  me,  in  transporting  my 
feeble,  but  impassioned  thoughts  on  paper,  and 
holding  sweet  converse  with  you,  my  dearest 
and  best  one,  with  whom  I  can  with  pride  and 
confidence  unbosom  myself,  and  give  vent  to 
feelings  where  they  are  fully  realized  and  ap- 
preciated, where  else  on  this  earth  but  upon  a 
pure  and  perfect  woman  and  wife's  bosom  and 
confidence  can  a  man  lay  down  and  open  bare 
the  innermost  recesses  of  his  heart,  and  seek 
consolation  from  all  the  varied  cares  and 
troubles  of  this  world,  but  in  and  around  that 
sanctuary,  which  this  transitory  life  may  only 
know  but  once  honestly  and  perfectly  well,  al- 
though deprived  of  the  happiness  of  meeting 
you  face  to  face,  eye  to  eye,  and  hand  to  hand 
in  all  the  fond  associations  and  recollections 
which  a  perfect  unison  of  heart  and  soul  would 
yield.  This  medium  of  an  interchanging  of 
thoughts  and  conversation  on  paper  is  still  left 
me,  and  oh,  how  gladly  I  embrace  the  oppor- 


130  A  True  Romance 

tunity  of  rendering  us  near  unto  each  other. 
Let  the  world  say  what  it  may,  there  are  so 
many  of  the  bright  dreams,  past,  present  and 
future,  that  it  cannot  take  away  and  extract  the 
sting  from  unpleasant  remembrances,  and 
leaves  the  rest  bright  and  unsullied.  The  better 
and  more  often  privilege  seems  allotted  me  to 
enjoy  in  addressing  you  which  I  trust  my 
dearest  may  hereafter  be  granted  to  you  more 
often  than  heretofore,  yet  doubtless  you  are  at 
a  loss  to  know  where  to  address  from  my  vac- 
illating movements.  The  river  at  this  point 
a  few  hours  since  broke  up,  the  scene  was  grand 
and  terrific;  the  whole  mass  of  ice  suddenly 
gave  way  and  moved  irresistibly  onward,  carry- 
ing everything  with  it.  The  ferryboat  of 
Messrs.  Howard  and  Brown  snapped  her 
chain,  cables,  and  lines  as  though  they  were 
mere  threads,  but  by  the  timely  aid  of  help  she 
•was  checked  up.  Doubtless  the  loss  of  prop- 
erty and  life  will  be  incalculable,  and  one  of  the 
most  disastrous  for  many  years.  At  West 
Franklin,  four  miles  above  us,  five  boats  have 
been  icebound  for  some  time,  and  have  given 
alternately  a  dance,  at  which  all  of  our  officers 
were  expected  to  be  guests;  as  for  myself  I 


A  True  Romance  131 

most  respectfully  declined  the  honor,  could  not 
brook  the  idea  of  coining  my  cheek  to  smile, 
and  playing  the  heartless  parasite  of  such  pres- 
ent cheer,  for  I  would  be  doing  violence  to 
every  feeling  of  head  and  heart.  The  pure  and 
perfect  image  of  yourself,  my  dearest  Nannie, 
prompted  me  to  shrink  with  intuitive  declen- 
sion when  in  thoughts  and  actions  I  could  be 
more  appropriately  occupied  in  meditation  with 
one  who  had  higher  and  more  sacred  claims 
upon  my  memory.  Thus  ever  may  I  be  guided 
by  those  emotions  which  claim  a  kindred  with 
you  and  throw  a  halo  and  protection  around 
all  the  vain  and  unprofitable  gew-gaws  of  so- 
ciety, so  that  I  may  claim  more  close  and 
worthy  intercourse  with  a  creature  whose  in- 
fluence, may  be  as  the  bright  particular  star  of 
hope  to  this  poor  and  weather-beaten  mariner? 
and  at  length  lead  me  to  the  haven  of  this 
world's  usefulness  and  virtue.  "  The  memory 
of  the  just  is  blest,"  so  may  we  live  that  our 
reward  may  be  full  and  perfect  in  this  world 
and  the  next.  The  gift  of  melancholy  is  a  fear- 
ful one,  but  at  times  it  is  difficult  for  me  to 
shake  off,  but  why  is  the  pecuniary  interest  of 
life  denied  us,  which  stifles  the  joys  and  com- 


132  A  True  Romance 

forts  which  we  are  endowed  to  realize  so  be- 
comingly. Money,  the  love  of  which  is  the 
root  of  all  evil,  but  in  a  sense  of  utility  and 
charity,  smooths  the  rugged  paths  of  life  and 
buoys  up  the  spirit  upon  the  wings  of  unsullied 
joys.  An  old  worldly  saying  is  "  that  when 
poverty  goes  in  at  the  door  love  flies  out  at  the 
window."  No,  no,  Nannie,  this  should  never 
be  our  case.  Would  to  God  I  were  otherwise 
circumstanced  and  could  throw  around  our 
pathway  to  make  our  house,  name  and  fame  a 
glory  and  beacon-light,  to  all  time.  But  at 
present  it  can  only  be  in  imagination ;  may  the 
day  not  be  far  distant  when  these  attainments 
may  be  fully  realized.  On  Thursday  last,  the 
2  ist  inst,  Captain  Mulliken,  Mr.  Dougherty, 
our  pilot,  and  myself,  had  gone  to  West  Frank- 
lin, they  on  business  and  I  with  the  hope  of 
getting  a  letter.  But  no  letter  could  be  had, 
and  I  returned  with  a  heavy  disappointed  heart ; 
but  hope,  hope,  the  anchor  of  the  soul,  nerved 
me  for  the  future.  In  returning  to  our  boat 
we  had  concluded  to  go  down  Diamond  Island, 
and  walked  over  the  gorged  ice  some  four  or 
five  hundred  yards  above  the  head  of  the  island 
within  a  short  distance  of  the  land,  the  Captain 


A  True  Romance  133 

ahead  and  I  following.  In  crossing  where  the 
ice  was  melted  it  gave  way  and  in  I  fell  to  my 
neck,  touched  no  bottom,  but  with  one  desper- 
ate bound  extricated  myself.  In  that  awful  mo- 
ment of  suspense  between  life  and  death,  how 
long  an  eternity  the  soul  lives  in  a  brief  second, 
yet  my  first  and  last  thoughts,  my  dear  Nannie, 
were  for  my  God  and  you.  During  the  sus- 
pense I  was  calm,  and  the  brave  shrieked  not, 
but  after  my  relief,  oh,  how  the  fearful  reflec- 
tion rushed  upon  my  soul,  overwhelmed  with 
joy  and  gratitude  to  Him,  who  holds  our  des- 
tiny in  the  hollow  of  His  hand,  and  marks  the 
sparrow's  fall,  and  numbers  the  hairs  of  our 
head.  Then  three  and  a  half  miles  to  walk.  I 
almost  perished  with  cold ;  but  the  velocity  with 
which  I  put  in  the  time  relieved  me  in  a  meas- 
ure. This,  my  dearest  Nannie,  is  one  of  the 
many  hair-breadth  escapes  which  life  is  heir  to. 
But  may  better  fatality  deliver  me  from  the 
repetition.  The  boat  has  been  short  of  funds 
some  time.  As  soon  as  we  make  a  trip  the  offi- 
cers will  get  their  dues.  Had  I  the  wealth  of 
Crcesus,  how  happy  would  I  be  in  cherishing 
and  protecting  all  those  whose  ties  of  friend- 
ship and  kindred  claim  the  willing  protection 


1 34  A  True  Romance 

of  him  whose  heart  and  hand  is  ever  ready  to 
extend  that  honest  wish.  But  as  it  is  I  must 
stifle  the  act  and  make  good  the  wish  in  perfect 
good  will,  ever  remember  me  in  sentiments  the 
most  kind  and  true  to  all  our  family.  'Tis  now 
the  noon  of  night ;  good  bye,  may  your  dreams 
be  of  me,  sweet  and  angelic.  My  prayers  for- 
ever ascend  daily,  hourly,  momentarily  to  the 
benignant  powers  to  watch  over  and  protect 
you. 

Yours, 

ANTHONY. 

NEW  ALBANY,  March  3,  '56. 

MY  BELOVED  AND  HONORED  HUSBAND! 

You  are  rather  lenient  in  attributing  my  sup- 
posed negligence  to  your  vacillating  move- 
ments, but  my  dearest  Mark,  I  consider  that 
but  a  poor  excuse,  and  I  am  sure  would  be 
rather  reluctant  in  acknowledging  such  a  trivial 
one  from  you.  It  is  with  such  true  delight  that 
your  letters  are  welcomed,  to  have  that  privi- 
lege denied  me,  would  be  depriving  me  of  the 
only  heartfelt  joy  I  have  for  the  present,  and 
rest  assured  my  dear,  it  will  be  owing  to  some- 
thing of  importance  to  cause  me  to  neglect  so 


A  True  Romance  13$ 

sacred  a  duty.  Your  first  letter  I  answered  im- 
mediately as  ^ou  told  me,  so  my  dear  Mark, 
you  have  enough  confidence  in  the  fidelity  and 
strength  of  my  love  as  not  to  impute  my  silence 
to  forgetfulness.  May  I  never  demerit  the 
trust.  I  know  my  attachment  to  yourself  is  as 
deep  as  any  earthly  feeling  can  be,  therefore  my 
heart's  desire  is  to  become  all  you  wish  me. 
May  I  always  have  just  cause  to  believe  your 
affection  will  never  diminish  for  me,  is  my  most 
earnest  prayer.  Never  regret  my  dearest  Mark 
our  circumstances  as  regards  pecuniary  affairs, 
for  it  matters  not  with  me  if  I  cannot  equal 
others  in  fine  dress,  great  display,  etc.  There 
is  a  better  time  awaiting  us,  I  am  confident,  if 
our  efforts  are  united  in  striving  to  make  a 
comfortable  living,  which  is  so  far  as  my  ambi- 
tion extends  on  that  score.  I  will  be  content 
under  all  circumstances.  Aunt  Add  has  at 
length  arrived,  I  have  not  met  her,  but  have  no 
doubt  when  I  do  she  will  approach  me  as  fa- 
miliarly as  if  nothing  had  occurred.  I  am 
waiting  patiently  my  beloved  Mark  to  welcome 
you  home  again,  which  I  trust  will  be  in  a  short 
time.  Never  fear  of  writing  too  long  letters 
lest  it  might  tire  me  reading  them;  no,  that 


i  36  A  True  Romance 

could  never  be;  I  bless  thy  loving  heart  night 
and  day.  Oh,  that  I  could  be  blessed  in  sharing 
all  hours  and  moments  with  you,  where  we 
might  have  naught  but  happiness  and  purest 
joys.  Let  me  know  how  soon  I  will  see  you. 
Good  bye  my  darling  and  best  Mark,  accept  my 
best  and  true  love. 

Yours  affectionately, 

N.  L.  ANTHONY. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  March  7,  '57. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  MOST  IDOLATROUSLY  BELOVED 

WIFE: 

This,  my  devoted  Nannie,  may  be  the  last 
note  you  will  receive  ere  we  meet,  unless  a 
revolution  of  events  transpires  over  which,  at 
present,  the  ken  of  philosophy  cannot  analyze. 
In  meeting  you,  my  fond  wife,  if  the  highest 
hopes  of  a  heart  and  soul  are  realized,  we  may 
never  part  again,  unless  a  stern  fatality  uproots 
all  the  best  desires  of  a  nature  too  acute  and 
sensitive  to  endure  many  or  longer  the  depri- 
vation of  all  those  associations  which  for 
months  past  has  thrown  a  shade  of  loneliness 
and  sorrow  over  a  spirit  so  delicate  as  to  be 
unable  to  sustain  a  greater  weight.  Mute  the 


A  True  Romance  137 

camel  labors  with  the  heaviest  load,  and  the 
wolf  dies  in  silence.  Had  1  the  stoic  nature  of 
common  mortality  I  might  be  like  unto  these 
brutes ;  but  on  the  contrary,  a  nature  so  unfor- 
tunately endowed  to  battle  with  the  worst 
vicissitudes  of  life  with  the  conviction  staring 
me  full  in  the  face,  that  I  am  superior  and  above 
many  whom  I  am  thrown  in  contact  with; 
that  their  ability  is  so  humble  and  lame  as  al- 
most to  make  me  rail  out  at  the  unequal  de- 
crees of  fate.  In  analyzing  all  these  stern  reali- 
ties, had  any  one  predicted  such  years  ago,  I 
would  have  deemed  it  perfidious  sacrilege.  I 
come,  my  dearest  wife,  to  greet  you  with  a 
cheerful  smile  pervading  my  countenance,  a 
hand  with  my  heart  in  it  ever  ready  to  gush 
forth  its  honest  throbbings  for  you  my  own 
dearest  wife.  The  visions  of  the  only  home  on 
earth  this  weary  wandering  pilgrim  now  has, 
you,  yours  and  mine,  my  fond  ones  are  now 
before  me,  picturing  in  beautiful  harmony  the 
sweetest,  dearest  ties  this  world  yields.  The 
affectionate  voice  of  her  whom  I  love  best,  falls 
upon  my  heart  and  soul  like  music  selestes's 
airs,  soothing  the  tempestuous  billows  which 
lash  over  us  in  the  storm  of  life.  But  these 


138  A  True  Romance 

joys,  my  dearest  wife,  are  to  a  certain  extent 
marred  by  the  reflection  that  I  cannot  meet  you 
and  throw  at  your  feet  a  wealth  sufficient  to 
make  every  position  and  sphere  more  comfort- 
able and  brilliant. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  March  12,  '56. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  EVER  HONORED  AND  AFFEC- 
TIONATE WIFE  : 

Without  any  of  your  much  welcomed  favors 
as  yet  to  reply  to,  I  am  constrained  through  an 
imperative  duty  and  a  pleasing  wish  at  all  times 
to  address  you,  my  dearest  Nannie,  above  all 
other  acts  of  my  life.  For  if  I  had  any  of  yours 
to  answer  to  a  certain  extent  I  would  be  better 
able  to  reply  from  the  fact  it  would  enable  me 
to  debate  your  sentiments  more  fully,  and  ex- 
press my  thoughts  and  feelings  with  some 
guide  as  to  my  position,  yet  my  fond  one,  my 
position  is  such  as  ever  to  write  full,  free  and 
perfect,  with  the  argument  on  one  side.  Hence 
you  should  not  expect  me  to  produce  so  com- 
plete a  chain  of  reasoning.  Excuse  me  my 
good  woman  for  this  apostrophe  so  abstruse 
and  metaphysical  and  doubtless  uninteresting 
to  you.  The  heart,  the  heart,  with  all  its  sweet 


A  True  Romance  1 39 

and  pure  throbbings,  is  a  theme  more  worthy 
our  time  and  interest,  so  here  goes.  My  beau- 
tiful spirit  with  thine  eyes  of  light  and  dazzling 
intelligence,  auburn  tresses  which  vie  with  the 
sun's  rays,  color  of  which  cheeks  out-blush 
the  rose  without  the  aid  of  art  or  ornament,  its 
natural  and  true  enchantment,  a  step  as  proud 
and  graceful  as  the  ungovernable  sea  with  its 
undulating  swell,  mind  rich  with  intelligence 
and  virtue  as  the  bright  garniture  of  the  stars 
of  heaven ;  last,  though  not  least,  a  heart  full  to 
overflowing  with  all  the  choicest  blessings 
which  God  gives  to  his  favorites,  and  I,  the 
humble  recipient  of  those  perfections  which  the 
cold  unappreciative  world  may  consider  un- 
worthy of,  but  with  them  it  is  a  mistake.  This 
heart,  mind,  blood  pulse  and  passion  knows 
and  appreciates  more  than  this  world  is  will- 
ing to  accord  me.  But  I  do  believe  there  are 
hopes  that  will  not  deceive,  and  virtues  that  are 
merciful,  and  would  not  weave  snares  to  entrap 
the  weak  and  credulous  over  other  griefs,  I 
would  sincerely  grieve  and  know  that  happi- 
ness is  no  dream,  and  virtue  no  ideality.  My 
dear  Nannie,  I  cannot  tell  why  it  is,  but  it 
seems  when  I  write  you  that  my  nature  under- 


140  A  True  Romance 

goes  a  perfect  revolution  in  order  that  the  ma- 
terial part-intelligence  with  all  its  characteris- 
tics of  God  and  love — may  be  sent  forth  to  you, 
and  not  mix  base  matter.  In  those  instances  I 
cannot  be  of  the  earth  earthy,  but  angelic  and 
heaven-like.  Best  love  to  our  immediate 
family,  write  any  place,  every  place,  that  I  may 
intercept.  I  am  nearly  distracted  to  hear  from 
you,  my  Alpha  and  Omega  of  this  world  and 
the  next. 

Affectionate  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 
Tell  me  everything. 

To  NANNIE. 

What  is  thy  love?    All  earth  is  silent, 

Darkness  reigns  without; 

Within  near  thee  is  peace. 

My  aching  head  is  pressed  upon  my  pillow, 

Thou  guardian  angel  by  my  side, 

One  willing  hand  is  fondly  clasped  in  mine 

The  other  laid  upon  my  throbbing  brow 

To  calm  its  tumult. 

Thy  lovely  head  is  pillowed  upon  my  breast, 

Thy  auburn  hair  clusters  round  my  neck, 

My  burning  lips  are  joined  to  thine, 


A  True  Romance  141 

Our  tears  of  bliss  commingle  and  bedew  our 

cheeks. 

I  press  thee  closer  to  my  bosom, 
Thy  warm  pure  heart  beating  against  my  own, 
Your  seraphic  voice  murmuring  sweet  and  low. 
The  holy  vow  which  made  us  one, 
Thrilling  with  ecstatic  joy  my  very  soul, 
All  care  is  now  vanished  from  our  thoughts, 
The  tired  spirit  has  found  its  rest 
And  feel  and  know  that  we  are  happy, 
Very  happy,  Nannie.    This  is  our  mutual  love. 

NEW  ALBANY,  March  15,  '56. 

MY  AFFECTIONATE  AND  BEST  LOVED  HUSBAND  : 

My  dearest  Mark,  I  have  been  exulting  in 
hopes  of  seeing  you  in  a  few  days,  but  still  that 
joy  is  deferred.  I  have  not  heard  from  you 
since  you  wrote  from  Cairo,  and  from  the 
tenor  of  your  letter  I  inferred  that  the 
"  Florida  "  would  go  to  New  Orleans ;  but  all 
things  are  for  the  best,  but  still  I  cannot  refrain 
from  brooding  over  my  vanished  hope.  Could 
it  be  possible,  my  beloved  Mark,  you  have  not 
yet  received  a  letter  from  me.  It  seems  that 
privilege  is  oftener  denied  you  than  it  should 
be,  I  wrote  to  Cairo,  and  there  will  be  one  also 


142  A  True  Romance 

at  Memphis.  I  feel  assured  my  dearest  and 
best  Mark,  that  if  you  should  intercept  none 
you  would  not  think  it  was  want  of  respect  or 
love  that  prompted  me  to  neglect  you.  I  could 
never  think  so  of  you,  with  what  assurance  I 
have  of  your  affection  and  devotion  to  me,  that 
confidence  shall  never  be  suspected,  I  have 
nothing  particular  to  state  of  father.  I  sup- 
pose his  advances  were,  in  a  degree,  checked  by 
Mrs.  W .  I  have  met  her  on  several  occa- 
sions and  she  appears  as  reluctant  as  myself  to 
recognize  me.  I  regret  exceedingly  that  you 
have  not  heard  oftener  from  me,  but  do  not,  my 
Mark,  fail  to  write  me  often,  it  is  the  only  con- 
solation I  have  for  the  present,  give  my  re- 
spects to  Captain  Muliken,  and  tell  the  Captain 
not  to  forget  to  have  the  boat  running  in  this 
trade.  I  hope  there  will  not  soon  again  be  any 
cause  for  you  to  be  so  long  detained  away  from 
me.  Good  bye,  my  dearest  and  beloved  hus- 
band, my  prayers  are  still  that  you  will  be  pro- 
tected from  all  danger. 

Affectionately  your  wife, 

NANNIE  L.  ANTHONY. 


A  True  Romance  143 

CITY  HOTEL,  NEW  ORLEANS,  March  16,  '56. 

MY  ADORED  AND  EVER  AFFECTIONATE  WlFE  I 

I  have  got  the  blues,  so  to  find  relief,  the 
only  consolation  left  me  in  my  loneliness,  and 
as  I  cannot  get  any  of  your  recent  letters  to  con 
over  with  pride  and  pleasure,  have  just  repe- 
rused  all  of  yours  I  have  in  possession,  and  get 
satisfaction  that  way,  you  write  ably  and  well, 
a  high  accomplishment,  and  the  impassioned 
pure  sentiments  please  me  better  than  all.  The 
mails  must  be  confounded  irregular,  whether 
this  old  adage  refers  at  all  times  to  the  post- 
office  department  or  the  acts  of  men  I  know 
not.  They  are  both  irregular  enough.  But 
your  humble  servant,  as  a  male  is  quite  regular 
in  writing  at  least,  and  I  know  you  are  also, 
my  dearest  Nannie.  Well  our  loves  and  life 
are  linked  together  and  will  be  eternal,  yet  I 
am  left  here  alone  to  love  and  live  without  you, 
sad  fatality,  twined  as  thou  art,  Nannie,  around 
my  heart,  I  can  scarcely  deem  thee  absent,  for 
in  faithful  memory  and  imagination  you  are 
always  by  me,  and  throw  an  influence  over  me 
which  I  trust  may  ever  guide  my  acts  and 
thoughts  to  perfect  results. 


144  A  True  Romance 

Though  in  reality  absent,  I  dream  and  know, 
my  proudest  and  best  woman,  that  we  will  soon 
meet,  and  then,  oh !  how  I  can  happily  woo  thee 
Nannie,  and  those  bright  visions  to  my  vacant 
and  lonely  bosom,  for  all  of  perfect  remem- 
brance there  remains.  For  with  me  'tis  bliss 
enough  to  know  thy  spirits  blest,  hence  grief 
and  despondency  should  not  come  where  per- 
fect love  exists,  except  to  elevate  and  conse- 
crate. Hail,  holy  love,  the  bloom  or  blight  of 
all  men's  happiness,  for  fame's  aspirations, 
wealth's  influence  and  glory's  halo,  are  but 
restless  gewgaws,  if  love  lay  not  down  his 
cheek  there  to  find  a  real  consolation,  my 
young,  all-beautiful,  adored  Nannie,  endowed 
•with  so  many  qualities  which  give  happiness  to 
me,  and  rounds  up  this  common  existence  into 
a  dream  of  something  which  poets  cannot  paint, 
and  if  it  were  not  wisdom  to  love  virtue,  what 
else  would  be  wise  to  do.  I  have  a  pride  in 
your  beauty  and  intelligence,  but  more  in  your 
conduct,  a  trust  in  you  like  a  patriarch's  love, 
such  estimation  as  these  in  your  eyes  I  claim 
and  hope  for,  and  have  ever  found  them,  I 
trusted  to  the  blood  of  Marsh,  pure  in  your 
veins,  to  the  soul  God  gave  you,  to  the  truths 


A  True  Romance  145 

your  education  taught  you,  your  belief  in 
heaven,  to  your  mild  sweet  virtues,  your  own 
faith  and  honor,  for  my  peace  and  happiness, 
and  have  found  them  rich  and  pure,  have  done 
well  and  thank  you.  I  have  been  in  my  room 
all  day,  the  weather  is  disagreeable  and  wet. 
Met  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McKey,  of  the  Wesley 
chapel,  was  introduced  to  his  holiness,  he  is  a 
very  clever  gentleman.  Always  have  a  rever- 
ence for  the  white  neckcloth.  New  Orleans  is 
quite  gay  and  lively,  many  persons  daily  arriv- 
ing, too.  Theatres  and  an  opera  in  full  blast, 
soirees,  balls,  lectures,  concerts,  etc.,  etc.  I 
have  very  wisely  and  modestly  taken  a  back 
seat,  not  having  attended  either.  My  days  of 
gallantry  and  romance  are  over,  a  good  idea, 
don't  you  think  so,  Nannie,  save  the  gallantry 
and  reality,  I  trust  to  ever  have  for  you  my 
good  woman.  A  few  flashes  of  the  sun,  a  many 
splashes  of  rain  and  mud,  nothing  to  be  seen 
out  but  the  weather,  and  that  is  disagreeable  to 
look  on,  and  more  so  to  wade  through.  Before 
I  leave  here  will  get  the  daguerrean  pictures 
for  you  and  bring  them  in  person. 

Sincere  and  affectionate  husband, 

M.  ANTHONY. 


146  A  True  Romance 

STEAMER  FLORIDA,  'April  5,  '56. 

MY  DEAR  BELOVED  AND  HONORED  WlFE  : 

Sad  to  relate  the  boat  leaves  to-night.  The 
most  heartfelt  joys  are  incisive,  and  the  best 
hopes  so  transient,  and  laid  withering  in  the 
dust,  when  they  should  rise  up,  be  fresh  and 
fragrant  like  the  rose,  wet  only  with  the  dews 
of  heaven,  instead  of  being  steeped  in  tears  of 
regret.  But  ever  thus  seems  to  be  our  fatality, 
mourning  o'er  hopes  thus  crushed,  may  not  be 
wise  nor  manly,  but  the  heart  may  endeavor  to 
find  consolation,  but  oh  how  unsatisfactory. 
Pure,  silent  griefs  should  be  too  deep  to  give 
vent  only  to  those  most  interested,  and  who 
can  feelingly  sympathise,  and  how  few  there 
are  in  this  cold  speculating  world  can  have  im- 
pulses which  throb  in  unison  with  those  who 
are  so  circumstanced.  The  happy  privilege  I 
have  cherished  of  accompanying  you,  my 
dearest  Nannie,  to  the  house  of  prayer  to-mor- 
row, where  the  heart  could  revel  in  the  inspir- 
ing scenes  which  that  sanctuary  gives,  is  now 
taken  away  and  hung  round  with  a  wreath  of 
ivy  mildewed.  When  will  the  blest  time  arrive 
that  it  may  be  otherwise.  God  grant  it  is  not 


A  True  Romance  147 

far  distant,  dearest  Nannie.  Please  have  my 
clothes  put  in  carpet  bag  and  send  over,  as  we 
will  not  stop  at  New  Albany. 

Your 
ANTHONY. 

NEW  ALBANY,  May  13,  '56. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  MUCH  LOVED  HUSBAND! 

Sadness  still  lingers  upon  my  heart,  and  I 
fear  my  dearest,  dearest  Mark,  I  can  never 
reconcile  myself  to  the  idea  of  parting  with 
you.  Your  presence  is  necessary  at  all  times 
to  perfect  my  happiness,  for  one  gentle  word, 
one  kind  approving  smile,  will  raise  my  spirits 
to  the  very  height  of  joy.  My  heart  is  lonely 
now,  for  it  was  but  to  have  you  with  me  that 
made  my  spirit  glad.  How  fondly,  how 
mournfully  does  memory  recall  the  many 
joyous  hours  I  last  spent  with  you  and  may  I, 
as  I  dream  to  realize  many  more,  but  for  the 
present  we  will  be  obliged  to  content  ourselves 
with  the  privilege  of  transposing  each  thought 
on  paper  to  the  absent,  but  beloved  one,  who 
will  best  appreciate  them.  Love  me  always  my 
dearest  and  best  Mark,  as  you  do  now.  I  would 


148  A  True  Romance 

rather  die  than  feel  one  link  withdrawn.  Then 
cherish,  my  mark,  the  one  true  heart  that  will 
cling  to  thee  through  weal  or  woe,  and  fling 
around  thy  pathway  the  brightest  flowers  love 
can  give.  It  is  a  pleasure,  Mark,  to  dream  of 
you.  In  dreams  you  return  to  me  and  rest  your 
head  upon  my  bosom,  but  I  wake  and  find  you 
gone,  no  hand  to  clasp  in  mine,  and  I  am  left 
alone  again  with  sorrow.  I  cannot  think  other- 
wise my  dear  Mark,  but  that  I  will  not  meet 
you  again  which  will  seem  to  me  a  long,  long 
time,  but  my  wish  is  that  I  may  be  agreeably 
disappointed  on  that  score.  If  you  can  predict 
definitely  when  you  next  write,  let  me  know  if 
you  will  stay  on  the  J.  C.  Swon.  My  dear 
Mark,  you  have  still  neglected  to  have  your 
daguerreotype  taken  for  me,  I  will  still  retain 
the  one  I  have.  I  cannot  part  with  it,  there  is 
no  pleasure-affording  inducement  to  leave 
home.  Estelle  and  I  sewing  busily  on  my  dress 
and  all  the  while  I  was  thinking  of  you  for  my 
own  dear  husband  I  consider  it  sacrilege  if  you 
are  absent  one  moment  from  my  thoughts. 
Good  bye  my  best,  my  own  Mark. 
Your  wife,  truly  and  affectionately, 

NANNIE  L.  ANTHONY. 


A  True  Romance  149 

Closing  this  letter  reminds  me  of  parting 
with  you. 

ON  BOARD  STEAMER  CHANCELLOR, 

AT  MEMPHIS,  Sept.  29,  '56. 

MY  DEAR  AND  MOST  AFFECTIONATE  WlFE : 

After  a  close  and  affectionate  intercourse  of 
some  months,  the  most  pleasing  and  happy  in 
the  whole  course  of  my  life  with  one  who  from 
my  earliest  acquaintance  has  occupied  my  every 
thought  and  reflection,  which  sends  forth  the 
purest  and  sweetest  memories  this  world  af- 
fords, and  as  this  is  the  first  pleasing  duty  which 
has  offered  itself  for  some  time  past,  it  seems 
somewhat  odd  to  portray  my  heart's  throbbings 
on  paper  after  orally  pouring  forth  those  obla- 
tions to  you  my  sweet  Nannie  face  to  face,  eye 
and  hand  and  heart  together.  I  say  appear 
funny,  although  my  ideas  are  clothed  in  differ- 
ent drapery  than  in  ordinary  conversation  with 
the  cold,  indifferent  formalities  of  society. 
But  in  addressing  you  my  own  good  woman, 
the  aspirations  of  mind  and  heart  rise  superior 
with  me  to  any  other  creature  or  circumstances. 
It  appears  that  if  I  were  to  try  I  could  not  ac- 
complish the  end  to  write  to  others  as  I  do  to 


150  A  True  Romance 

you,  from  the  fact  my  hand  and  head  shrinks 
from  the  responsibility  of  saying  and  doing 
what  is  not  properly  dictated  by  the  heart ;  and 
as  my  heart's  promptings  are  and  shall  ever  be 
for  you  alone,  my  best  Nannie,  I  write  as  I  do. 
God  bless  the  Hoosier  girl.  Good  night  good 
and  dutiful  partner. 

Your  devoted  and  faithful 

ANTHONY. 

STEAMER  CHANCELLOR, 

ST.  Louis. 

MY  DEAREST  : 

My  last  was  brief  and  perhaps  uninteresting 
to  you  my  fond  Nannie,  from  the  fact  I  was  de- 
prived the  time  I  otherwise  should  have  taken 
to  more  fully  express  myself  on  all  those  ques- 
tions of  an  agreeable  and  interested  nature,  at 
all  times  so  happy  for  me  to  discuss  with  you 
my  own  dear  one,  who  is  more  competent  to 
appreciate  those  ideas  which  to  others  might 
appear  flat  and  insipid,  there  is  my  good  woman 
something  in  hearing  from  you,  although  I 
have  not  since  my  departure,  so  electrical  is  thy 
voice  and  admonition.  Each  look  and  thought 
of  love  and  sympathy  that  unseals  the  foun- 


A  True  Romance  151 

tains  of  the  heart  and  gushes  forth  like  the 
notes  of  long  forgotten  music,  recalling  sweet 
memories  and  sacred  ties,  touched  by  a  master 
hand,  until  each  chord  echoes  responsive  to  a 
charm  which  you  alone  my  sweet  Nannie  can 
create  and  give.  James  Seabrook  and  Mr. 
Underwood  telegraphed  their  wives  to  meet 
them  in  St.  Louis;  Oh,  how  I  wish  it  was  so 
that  I  could  have  done  the  same;  but  let  it  go, 
you  shall  visit  New  Orleans  yet  this  winter. 
Tell  me  how  you  and  your  and  mine  are  getting 
along.  I  am  nearly  frantic  to  hear,  but  fondly 
hope  you  are  as  content  and  comfortable  as  cir- 
cumstances will  permit.  It  may  not  always  be 
thus  my  sweet  one.  The  wheel  of  fortune  is 
round  and  continually  revolves,  those  at  the 
bottom  by  clinging  tenaciously  will  by  and  bye 
come  up  to  the  top.  May  it  be  our  lot  soon. 

Your  ANTHONY. 

VIRGINIA  HOTEL, 
ST.  Louis,  Nov.  2,  '56. 

MY  DEAREST  WIFE  : 

At  this  hotel  my  dearest  I  am  occupying  a 
room  near  the  one  we  had  when  married.  The 
remembrance  of  that  sacred  and  joyous  occa- 


152  A  True  Romance 

sion  brings  fresh  sweetly  and  thankfully  to  my 
mind  the  most  pleasing  sentiments  for  the 
present  and  most  hopeful  for  the  future  which 
my  life  has  heretofore  known,  and  sustains 
the  wish  which  can  never  die,  that  the  memory 
of  that  union  may  descend  to  the  latest  time 
bedewed  with  the  sweetest  remembrances  and 
best  auspices  to  ourselves,  and  those  pledges  of 
affection  which  God  in  His  providence  may  be 
pleased  to  give  us  and  teach  us  how  we  and  they 
should  govern  the  rule  of  action  and  duty  so  as 
to  live,  be  virtuous,  useful  and  happy,  so  that 
in  the  decline  of  years  they  may  cluster  around 
hearth  and  home  like  olive  branches,  creating 
peace  and  joy  for  the  future,  and  still  more  if 
possible  closely  binding  firmly  and  lasting  those 
high  duties  and  imperative  ties  which  we,  Nan- 
nie, less  than  one  year  ago,  vowed  before  heav- 
en's high  chancery  to  preserve  and  keep  invio- 
late in  its  original  lustre.  God  grant  that  the 
day  and  occasion  may  be  far  distant  when  even 
one  link  should  be  severed  or  one  spot  corrode 
or  tarnish  that  golden  chain  which  binds  us  to- 
gether and  which  long  years  of  regret  and  peni- 
tence might  not  obliterate.  I  am  sad,  Nannie, 
at  being  parted  from  you,  and  am  unused  to 


A  True  Romance  153 

murmur  at  the  decrees  of  fate  which  ordered  it 
thus.  It  is  not  for  man  to  question  the  ways  of 
providence  nor  find  fault  with  Jehovah's  in- 
scrutable designs.  These  misfortunes  are 
doubtless  intended  for  .some  good  and  wise  pur- 
pose, that  the  light  and  exhilarating  throbbings 
and  its  unnatural  pulse  arrested.  The  associa- 
tions of  humanity — ever  wayward — are  only 
checked  by  sending  the  iron  into  the  soul  or 
smiting  the  heart  with  the  chastening  rod  of 
affliction,  causing  its  bitter  waters  to  gush  forth 
in  order  to  leave  the  remainder  more  pure. 
My  good,  pure,  sweet  Nannie,  you  may  deem 
this  letter  a  gloomy  one,  I  have  not  so  intended, 
yet  my  soul  is  sad,  and  these  pensive  throb- 
bings gush  forth  like  an  alpine  torrent  and 
overflow  the  fulness  of  the  heart.  But  they 
are  all  for  you,  my  Nannie,  at  the  idea  of  being 
absent  from  one  who  is  the  life  blood  of  my  ex- 
istence. Through  an  ill-fated  destiny  these 
eyes  cannot  look  upon  you  really,  but  the  pic- 
ture, the  picture  holds  the  mirror  up  often,  nor 
can  these  lips  peruse  those  impressioned  senti- 
ments contained  in  your  letter,  for  I  have  not 
received  any,  sad  fatality,  well  they  will  come 
by  and  bye,  then  oh  how  happy.  Perhaps  I 


154  A  True  Romance 

may  make  a  flying  trip  to  you  while  the  boat  is 
undergoing  repairs,  cannot  tell  definitely  as  yet, 
but  hope  so.  I  never  think  of  meeting  you  my 
dearest,  but  a  disposition  pervades  my  heart  to 
present  you  with  some  trivial  token  of  renewed 
affection,  so  I  purchased  a  pair  of  fine  heeled 
gaiter  boots,  a  new  article  in  this  market,  and 
very  neat;  think  I  have  got  the  size  this  time 
to  a  T,  will  also  get  a  nice  handkerchief  and 
kid  gloves.  Oh,  Nannie,  it  affords  me  so  much 
pleasure  to  surprise  you  with  those  little  me- 
mentoes. Be  just  and  fear  not,  martyrs  often 
come  out  the  furnace  unscathed  and  meet 
with  their  rewards.  Ours  will  come  soon  or 
late.  God  bless  you  my  idolized  and  good 
wife. 

Your  affectionate 

ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  STEAMER  CHANCELLOR, 

ST.  Louis,  Nov.  4,  '56. 

MY  DEAR  AND  AFFECTIONATE  WlFE  : 

Your  kind  and  affectionate  letter  of  the  2Qth 
ultimo  came  to  hand,  and  transported  with  rap- 
ture was  I.  It  perused  of  sweet,  consoling 
thoughts  that  breathed,  and  fond  words  that 


A  True  Romance  155 

burned  with  eloquence  of  heart  such  only  as 
woman  can  utter  through  the  fulness  of  their 
nature,  which  God  in  his  wisdom  has  so  pecul- 
iarly gifted  them.  For  love  when  properly  cre- 
ated and  matured  with  kindness  and  fidelity 
becomes  the  empire  and  acme  of  this  world's 
glory.  The  diadem  which  sittest  high  on  the 
throne,  the  bright  sun  around  which  the  milder 
and  lesser  satellites  revolve,  each  in  their  perfect 
and  harmonious  sphere ;  it  seems  when  writing 
you  as  though  my  heart  and  brain  becomes  in- 
spiration's sanctuary,  an  ever  welcomed  moni- 
tor, and  I  glory  in  the  essence  of  those  lofty 
passions  which  perhaps  may  lift  me  above  the 
common  herd  of  mankind.  Great  wife,  esti- 
mable woman,  Nannie,  last  wrote  you  from 
this  place,  remitted  you  money,  and  will  send 
you  more  soon,  should  I  not  go  to  meet  you  in 
person.  Here  I  am  in  the  office  all  alone  writ- 
ing you  my  sweet  Nannie,  whilst  the  remainder 
of  the  officers  and  crew  have  gone  ashore  to  in- 
dulge in  other  amusements,  which  to  them  un- 
der the  circumstances  may  be  paramount  to 
higher  duties.  Well,  so  wags  the  world. 
Thank  God,  I  have  other  imperative  and  pleas- 
ing tasks  to  perform  winging  away  to  you  my 


156  A  True  Romance 

good  Nannie  those  impulses  and  feelings  which 
absorb  all  others.  I  may  be  idolatry's  child 
burning  with  Promethean  fire  stolen  from 
heaven,  hence  it  is  perfect  and  would  be  doing 
violence  to  my  better  nature  did  I  not  exercise 
it.  I  am  rejoiced  at  your  general  good  health 
under  the  circumstances  and  trust  you  may  con- 
tinue to  take  good  care  of  yourself.  Good 
night,  may  whispering  angels  prompt  your 
dreams. 

Yours, 

ANTHONY. 

NEW  ALBANY,  Dec.  6,  '56. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  BEST  BELOVED  HUSBAND: 

An  opportunity  is  once  again  afforded  me 
being  rendered  nearer  you  by  the  aid  of  pencil 
and  paper,  and  which  is  pleasing  at  all  time, 
convey  to  you  each  little  thought  that  might 
recall  the  happy,  happy  hours  we've  spent  to- 
gether, almost  of  one  mind,  heart  and  being, 
and  can  my  beloved  husband  be  best  appreciated 
when  we  are  far  away,  with  each  look  of  love 
and  action  still  remembered  and  cherished  only 
to  regret  we  cannot  continually  live  in  such  a 


A  True  Romance  157 

world  of  love,  which  at  present  is  denied  us, 
but  hope's  star  is  brightly  burning  and  tells  of 
joys  to  come.  Gone,  gone  away  from  me  my 
dear  husband,  when  shall  I  realize  the  time 
when  each  evening  I  can  welcome  you  home 
from  your  daily  task.  I  cannot  be  fully  con- 
tented until  I  know  that  time  is  here.  Clinton 
was  married  on  the  following  Thursday  after 
you  left,  and  very  few  persons  present  besides 
our  family.  Fannie  was  dressed  very  plain 
and  neat,  wearing  a  novena  traveling  dress. 
The  refreshments  were  cake  and  wine.  She 
was  very  much  excited,  and  I  thought  she 
would  faint.  Some  one  remarked  they  were 
surprised,  for  she  was  a  girl  of  so  much  self- 
possession,  and  cousin  Mark  said  that  was  not 
the  way  I  faced  the  music.  To-morrow  one 
year  has  passed  since  our  hearts  were  joined 
together  forever  my  dearest  and  own  loved 
husband,  and  the  bygone  year  has  been  a  happy 
one,  for  it  brought  no  woes  or  sorrow  to  chill 
the  brightness  of  the  time  that's  passed,  for  the 
love  I  gave  you  was  too  pure,  too  holy  ever  to 
have  one  wish,  one  thought  that  was  not  blent 
with  yours.  May  all  succeeding  years  be  the 


158  A  True  Romance 

same.  Write  me  often  my  own  husband. 
Know  that  my  prayers  and  thoughts  are  for 
you.  Good  bye. 

Your  affectionate  wife, 

NANNIE  L.  ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  STEAMER  CHANCELLOR, 

CAIRO,  Dec.  7,  '56. 

MY  EVER  DEAREST  AND  MOST  AFFECTIONATE 

WIFE: 

We  are  with  a  good  trip  and  hope  to  arrive 
safely  at  New  Orleans  in  about  six  days.  You 
will  hear  from  me  my  dearest  and  relate  the 
chances  and  changes  of  my  good  or  ill  fortune. 
That  fickle  goddess  Fortune,  ever  so  uncertain 
in  her  movements,  and  perhaps  at  present  more 
so  with  me,  I  scarcely  can,  with  all  the  scope 
and  range  of  the  ken  of  philosophy  or  fate,  tell 
what  is  in  store  for  me  until  after  the  develop- 
ment of  time.  But  patience  and  perseverance 
to  a  great  extent  will  disperse  the  dark  cloud 
which  lowers  around,  and  throw  the  bright 
rainbow  of  hope  and  prosperity  over  the  past  so 
far  as  my  business  and  pecuniary  arrangements 
are  concerned.  But  on  the  other  hand,  I  have 
many  proud,  happy  and  fortunate  recollec- 


A  True  Romance  159 

tions,  ever  pleasing  to  dwell  upon,  which  to  a 
great  extent  extracts  the  sting  from  my  recent 
bad  luck  in  steamboat  ing,  and  causes  my  heart 
to  throb  with  gratitude  to  that  good  providence 
who  does  all  things  for  a  just  and  perfect  end. 
In  his  faith  I  confide  in  sunshine  or  in  storm. 
This  the  anniversary  of  our  marriage,  the  wis- 
est and  best  act  of  my  life,  may  we,  my  fondest 
and  best  one,  long  live  to  have  many  happy  re- 
turns of  the  same,  each  year  witnessing  to  our- 
selves and  the  world  that  we  have  not  lived  in 
vain,  but  as  useful  and  honored  members  of  so- 
ciety, exercising  an  influence  which  shall  de- 
scend in  blessing  on  us  and  our  posterity.  This 
particular  day  singled  out  from  time,  may  its 
influence  and  those  sacred  bonds  of  unity  and 
love  be  as  a  mirror  reflecting  back  on  the  past 
and  on  the  future,  lighting  us  to  the  straight 
path  of  duty,  governing  the  rule  of  action  which 
just  creatures  should  ever  aim  at.  The  highest 
evidence  of  a  well  balanced  mind  is  that  he  who 
can  rise  highest  with  firm  resolve  to  encounter 
the  falling  vicissitudes  of  life;  not  to  tamely 
fold  the  arms  and  relax  the  vigor  of  mind  and 
pine  over  the  bad  luck.  Rise,  rise,  like  an 
eagle  scaling  the  heavens,  like  an  Atlas  bend- 


160  A  True  Romance 

ing  beneath  the  weight  of  a  world,  and  meet  the 
great  issue.  Though  you  should  fall,  let  it  be 
nobly  and  \\ith  might,  for  he  whose  cause  is 
just  is  ever  right.  The  individual  who  is  to 
succeed  cousin  James  in  the  office  is  Mr.  M — . 
I  think  his  abilities  need  much  culture  and  fos- 
tering before  he  approximates  the  shadow  of 
his  successor,  having  no  experience  on  the 
river  at  all.  The  boat's  business,  monetary  af- 
fairs, position  and  popularity  and  all  will  be 
sadly  in  the  background.  But  if  it  suits  the 
high  captain  it  is  all  O.  K.  As  for  the  cap- 
tain's brother,  who  fills  my  humble  position,  he 
never  received  a  package  of  freight  in  his  life, 
and  is  as  verdant  as  a  youth.  Well,  so  wags 
the  world.  I  presume  by  this  time  Clinton  is 
launched  into  that  responsible,  pleasing  state  of 
Mat — Rye — money,  and  on  his  way  to  New 
Orleans  rejoicing.  Perhaps  I  may  have  the 
honor  of  meeting  the  happy  couple  in  the  Cres- 
cent city,  though  I  must  confess  I  am  in  rather 
a  poor  fix  of  joyness  and  mental  pleasing  tact 
and  outward  wrap  made  by  tailors  who  create 
the  ninth  part  of  a  man,  which  should  be  the 
least  consideration  with  proper  respecting  peo- 
ple. But  fashion,  fashion,  an  outward  envel- 


A  True  Romance  161 

ope  which  pleases  the  fancy  of  shallow  minds, 
and  absorbs  all  other  merit,  so  from  my  def- 
icit on  that  score  I  might  be  compelled  to  play 
the  subordinate  part  in  the  grand  drama  which 
I  never  have  and  will  never  do  while  my  better 
judgment  serves  me.  Better  be  humble  and 
obscure  than  meet  the  indifference  of  those  who 
apply  not  the  proper  standard.  Amen.  Nan- 
nie, my  dearest,  do  not  show  the  contents  of 
this  note,  strictly  confidential,  lest  it  might  in- 
cur the  displeasure  of  all. 

Your  A . 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Dec.  27,  '56. 

Well,  my  own  best  Nannie,  the  great  day 
Christmas  has  passed,  and  on  its  destiny  the 
weal  or  woe  of  thousands  have  hung  with 
breathless  throbbings  full  of  fond  hopes  realized, 
or  bowed  down  with  sorrow  from  the  decrees  of 
a  sad  fatality  ever  unknown  and  uncontrollable. 
In  gazing  upon  the  impenetrable  future  with  all 
its  stern  realities,  ere  the  curtain  of  time  is  rolled 
away,  with  what  inexpressible  emotions  gath- 
ers around  the  soul  to  peer  into  that  chaos 
which  it  is  proper  we  shortsighted  finite  crea- 
tures should  not  know  of.  And  on  the  other 


1 62  A  True  Romance 

hand,  in  retrospecting  the  past,  how  simple  and 
true  the  virtuous,  honest  approval  to  ourselves 
and  the  world,  settles  so  calmly  and  gratefully 
upon  the  heart  and  soul,  and  render  life  worth 
living  for.  But  look  on  the  other  picture,  the 
remorse  and  anguish  of  an  unhappy,  misspent 
existence,  how  its  compunctions  wailings  rare 
round  the  soul  and  well  nigh  stifle  the  remnant 
of  an  unfortunate  career.  How  many,  many 
creatures  partake  of  these  varied  circumstances. 
Oh,  how  I  would  love  to  be  with  you. 

Your  ANTHONY. 

NEW  ALBANY,  Dec.  30,  '56. 

MY  DEAREST  AND  BEST  LOVED  HUSBAND : 

My  dearest  husband,  despair  not  under  the 
present  circumstances;  could  be  a  great  deal 
worse,  although  my  only  grief  is  your  being  so 
far  from  me,  having  no  source  of  consolation  or 
sympathy  only  by  writing.  I  am  thankful  you 
still  retain  your  health,  and  you  should  strive  to 
make  the  best  of  all  misfortune,  as  I  am  always, 
my  own  dear  husband,  willing  and  ready  to 
share  it  with  you.  My  health  is  good.  I  feel 
for  you.  my  dear,  and  could  we  be  together  it 
would  reconcile  us  to  our  fate.  Have  not  been 


A  True  Romance  163 

to  office  this  morniing.  Although  I  have  not 
read  it,  be  assured,  my  own  dear  husband,  that 
anything  you  should  have  written  that  you 
think  might  cause  me  unhappiness  shall  be  for- 
given and  forgotten.  I  am  doubly  anxious 
now  to  read  it,  for  I  know,  my  dear,  you  could 
not  write  anything  that  would  cause  me  such 
trouble  as  you  apprehend ;  but  the  idea  of  being 
separated  from  you,  my  own  husband,  is  a  grief 
which  cannot  be  easily  overcome.  I  could  sub- 
mit to  almost  anything  to  have  you  always  with 
me,  but  I  find  I  cannot  have  all  things  to  my 
own  pleasure,  and  I  shall  strive  to  content  my- 
self. 

Your  devoted, 

NANNIE  L.  A . 

NEW  ORLEANS,  'Jan.  31,  '57. 

MY  DEAREST  IDOLIZED  AND  DEVOTED  WlFE  I 

I  with  pleasure  embrace  the  occasion  to  an- 
swer your  last,  and  then  know  better  how  to  re- 
spond to  your  hopes  and  wishes,  at  all  times  my 
highest  aim  to  consummate.  Oh,  how  I  wish 
to  be  with  you  in  this  hour  and  forever,  to  clasp 
to  this  throbbing  brain  and  aching  heart  you 
my  fond,  pure  and  sweet  one,  who  alone  of  this 


164  A  True  Romance 

earth  can  soothe  the  tempest  of  my  sorrows  and 
make  smooth  the  rough  ways  of  life.  Be  of 
good  cheer  my  perfect  wife,  I  will  meet  you  ere 
long,  then  the  happiness  will  make  amends  for 
all  our  past  deprivations.  It  does  seem,  my 
Nannie,  so  strange  a  fatality  should  be  meted 
out  to  the  creatures  of  earth.  Those  who  care 
least  for  each  other  are  oftener  together,  while 
those  who  love  the  purest  and  longest  are  sepa- 
rated through  a  sad  destiny  which  at  all  times 
cannot  be  overcome.  You  speak  of  visiting 
your  father,  do  so  my  dear  Nannie,  by  all 
means.  I  know  he  will  be  too  happy  to  see  you. 
His  heart  has  always  been  in  the  right  place, 
and  would  have  given  you  a  welcome  long 
since,  which  will  heal  up  old  wounds  which 
have  marred  many  of  our  better  peace  and  joys 
and  redounded  higher  to  our  credit  in  society. 
It  will  be  a  stepping  stone  to  a  reconciliation, 
and  restore  you  to  the  once  former  good  favor 
of  your  parent.  Any  or  the  slightest  conces- 
sion on  your  part  cannot  compromise  you  to 
the  world  or  proper  thinking  people,  so  be  not 
influenced  by  others,  but  act  boldly  and  fear- 
lessly for  yourself.  Those  who  know  all  the 
past  unpleasant  difficulties  that  attend  this 


A  True  Romance  165 

affair  cannot  but  glory  in  your  act.  What  a 
hermit  I  have  been,  neither  having  attended  the 
theatre,  opera  or  any  other  place.  My  room  at 
six  o'clock  each  evening  has  been  the  sanctuary 
of  my  joys,  to  think  of  home  and  you,  yours 
and  mine,  my  sweet  wife.  I  might  have  been 
beside  you  had  it  not  been  for  the  lack  of  navi- 
gation in  the  Ohio.  The  daguerrean  picture  I 
hope  will  please  you,  which  I  have  so  often, 
when  away,  promised  to  send. 

It  is  scarcely  worth  while  to  answer  this,  lest 
I  might  be  on  my  way  to  you  ere  it  arrives. 

Your  devoted, 

M.  ANTHONY. 

NEW  ORLEANS,  Feb.  6,  '57. 

MY  DEAREST   AND   MOST   AFFECTIONATELY  BE- 
LOVED WIFE: 

I  last  wrote  you  a  few  days  since  via  southern 
mail  route  as  the  only  reliable  line  in  the  country 
at  present.  I  will  soon  leave  on  the  first  Louis- 
ville pack  to  join  you,  my  own  good  wife,  and 
to  fold  to  this  wildly  throbbing  breast  the  only 
idol  my  heart  ever  knew,  and  with  its  harmoni- 
ous proportion  fills  to  overflowing  the  urn — 
which  is  now  the  life  blood  of  my  existence, 


1 66  A  True  Romance 

and  in  after  time  be  the  sepulchre  wherein  our 
ashes  shall  mingle  together  and  wait  the  call  of 
the  great  I  Am,  and  ascend  to  realms  where 
parting  and  sorrow  are  no  more.  The  weather 
here  is  as  delightful  as  your  May  days,  in 
fact,  quite  warm  in  the  sun.  Everybody  and 
all  the  world  are  out,  more  especially  the  ladies 
in  their  gayest  attire  tripping  the  fashionable 
thoroughfares  with  gladsome  smile  and  foot  so 
light  as  though  it  tread  on  flowers,  joyous  and 
coy  as  blushing  maidens  fresh  from  boarding 
school.  All  very  well  to  feast  the  eye  upon,  but 
sad  reflection  in  future  time  to  know  so  many 
of  God's  noblest  works  will  pass  away  and  be 
cold  and  inanimate  in  death.  That  the  unfor- 
tunate vicissitudes  of  life  may  check  the  light 
laugh  on  the  merry  lip  cast  a  shade  of  age  and 
anguish  o'er  the  sunny  brow,  pierce  the  once 
pure  heart  with  all  its  most  lovable  attributes 
with  a  venomed  dart  which  will  stifle  and  cor- 
rode its  fondest  wishes,  realize  to  after  memory 
the  uncertainty  of  riches,  the  inconstancy  of 
friends  and  the  vanity  of  all  earthly  aspirations. 
The  Bible,  that  holy  volume,  touch  with  the 
seal  of  high  divinity,  man  know  thyself.  Alas, 
how  little  do  we  know  what  we  are  and  may 


A  True  Romance  167 

be.  The  present  is  all  we  can  claim  to  com- 
prehend, and  that  obscurely  as  through  a  glass 
darkened.  May  the  future  be  made  glorious 
through  a  perfect  hope,  realize  to  us  my  own 
good  and  pure  wife,  some  of  the  better  joys  and 
prosperity  which  we  most  certainly  should 
have.  With  my  heart  full  to  overflowing  with 
love  and  gratitude  to  you  my  own  good  wife,  I 
am  prompted  to  pour  forth  this  strain,  Nannie, 
I  don't  know  why,  but  it  is  so  in  writing  you 
every  particle  of  finite  matter  seems  to  vacate 
my  heart  and  soul,  until  it  leaves  nothing  but 
the  essence  of  infinite  inspiration  to  dwell  upon. 
This  tender,  honest  tribute  to  you  my  partner 
and  wife,  by  whose  tender  management  of  my 
weakness  has  gradually  reclaimed  me  from  any 
pernicious  habits,  you  have  become  prudent  and 
generous  from  a  rare  affection. 

Though  of  the  most  liberal  nature,  taught  me 
frugality  and  economy  by  your  pure,  disinter- 
ested love;  during  this  the  most  critical  period 
of  my  existence,  preserved  peace  and  order  in 
our  domestic  affairs,  gently  turned  me  away 
from  whatever  follies  cr  dissipations  I  may  have 
had,  sustained  my  weak  and  irresolute  disposi- 
tion, urged  me  on  to  useful  and  creditable  aims 


1 68  A  True  Romance 

gently  and  kindly  admonished  my  heedlessness 
and  improvidence.  From  these  facts  my  sweet 
wife  I  owe  what  I  am  and  may  be  for  the  better 
hereafter  to  your  solicitude  for  my  interest  and 
happiness.  They  nor  my  character  have  ever 
been  forgotten  to  be  vindicated.  Feelings 
such  as  yours,  my  own  Nannie,  how  noble, 
warm,  tender  and  impetuous,  but  ever  placable 
and  constant,  such  you  are  my  own  dear,  dear 
wife.  From  our  earliest  acquaintance  the 
knowledge  of  your  worth  and  excellence 
dawned  upon  my  heart,  purified  its  friendship 
unto  an  undying  love  before  time  and  the  world 
had  deprived  my  heart  of  its  original  lustre, 
ardor  and  purity.  From  our  union  through  all 
these  great  elements  I  seek  consolation.  A  be- 
nevolent wisdom  inflicts  chastisement  in  order 
that  our  natures  may  become  more  purified. 
May  that  superintending  power  enliven  the 
gloom  and  sustain  me  in  this  dark  hour,  which 
now  hangs  over  my  destiny,  so  that  a  brighter 
and  better  nature  may  hang  around  the  future. 
God's  noblest  work,  man  and  woman,  creatures 
capable  of  such  high  proficiency  in  art,  nature 
and  virtue,  preparing  a  dwelling  place  for  the 
spirits  of  the  just  which  will  vindicate  the  ways 


A  True  Romance  169 

of  God  to  man,  here  alone  in  person,  but  with 
the  memory  of  your  presence,  my  own  perfect 
wife,  clustering  thick  about  me,  the  tendrils  of 
whose  vines  are  interwoven  so  closely  with 
every  breathing  respiration,  which  this  heart  has 
ever  known,  I  am  surrounded  as  it  were  with 
thousands  of  sweet  companions  which  make  the 
spot  sacred  with  animated  life.  If  there  is  one 
Holy  passion  above  another  granted  to  frail 
mortality,  it  is  a  deep  seated  love  which  I  thank 
God  for  implanting  in  my  nature.  The  fiat  of 
fate  seems  to  have  especially  marked  me  for  the 
standard  bearer  upon  whose  ample  folds  were 
emblazoned  in  deepest  dye  the  affection  and 
love  which  has  all  been  given  to  you  my  great 
wife,  and  a  wise  creator  shall  ever  have  my 
gratitude  that  it  is  so.  Do  not  fail,  my  wife,  to 
visit  your  father,  if  your  health  will  permit. 

Your  ANTHONY. 

ON  BOARD  STM'R  GOLDEN  STATE. 

DEAREST  NANNIE  : 

You  tell  me  the  "  Sons  of  Malta  "  gave  an 
exhibition,  the  proceeds  for  the  benefit  of  the 
poor.  Charity,  thou  first  of  all  virtues,  for 
without  that  you  cannot  do  anything.  All  of 


170  A  True  Romance 

our  officers  received  letters  from  home.  Made 
mention  of  the  above  circumstances.  One  or 
two  made  acquainted  with  the  fact  of  feminine 
gender  doffing  crinoline  and  mounting  the  un- 
mentionables, unsexing  herself  through  a  mor- 
bid curiosity,  would  peep  into  the  "  Pandora 
box  "  at  the  risk  of  womanly  dignity,  and  be- 
come the  gibe  and  scoff  of  all  delicate  acts  and 
feelings.  The  purity  of  every  virtuous  suscep- 
tibility outraged  and  exposed  to  the  jest  of 
ribaldry  and  song,  which  should  forever 
prompt  the  finer  feelings  of  all  noble  womanly 
attributes  to  shrink  from  with  intuitive  dread 
and  disgust.  Oh !  oh !  how  deeply  from  that 
high  and  proud  position  has  she  fallen  who 
would  thus  ruthlessly  throw  aside  the  veil 
which  shielded  her  virtue  to  vice,  thus  stand  ex- 
posed to  the  world  the  fallen  thing  which  no 
after  contrition  could  scarcely  exterminate.  I 

am  told  that  person  was  so so.    God  grant 

the  supposition  is  incorrect  for  her  and  the  rest 
of  mankind,  also  womankind.  This  apostro- 
phy  I  have  drawn  from  the  spur  of  the  mo- 
ment. But  when  my  better  feelings  are  at 
peace  and  rest.  Here  are  my  sentiments  of  a 
pure,  delicate,  refined  woman.  Above  all  let 


A  True  Romance  171 

not  man,  the  more  gross  and  corrupt  of  our 
race,  practice  on  her  the  shameful  falsehood  of 
pretending  admiration,  and  acting  contempt, 
let  him  not  exhaust  his  kindness  and  his  purse 
to  adorn  her  person  and  then  ask  in  return  the 
humiliation  of  her  soul,  and  all  tender  affection 
of  her  heart.  Let  him  not  manufacture  opinion 
for  her,  and  force  it  upon  lips  of  dictation.  Let 
him  not  crucify  her  emotions,  nor  ridicule  her 
frailty,  nor  seek  to  crush  her  individuality,  nor 
insult  her  dependence,  nor  play  low  jests  upon 
her  honor  in  convivial  company,  nor  bandy  un- 
clean doubts  of  her  honor,  nor  whisper  vulgar 
aspersions  of  her  purity.  No!  no!  let  us  re- 
member that  for  the  gastly  spectacle  of  her 
blasted  purity  we  are  answerable.  On  the  con- 
trary we  should  multiply  her  social  advantages, 
enhance  her  dignity,  minister  to  her  intelli- 
gence, and  by  a  manly  gentleness  be  the  cham- 
pions of  her  genius,  the  friends  of  her  fortunes, 
and  the  equals  of  her  heart.  If  we  can't  we  are 
not  her  superior  or  equal.  Jealousy  is  the 
weakness  of  narrow  minds,  confidence  the 
virtue  of  enlarged  ones. 

Yours  as  ever, 

MARK. 


172  A  True  Romance 

EXTRACTS. 

Poverty  is  a  blessing.  If  with  it  proves  I  am 
so  beloved  and  my  greatest  sorrow  is  that  I 
desire  to  be  a  better  Christian  than  I  am,  and 
that  my  life  might  influence  you  for  your  eter- 
nal good. 

Thank  God  my  own  Husband  it  is  not  the 
world's  goods  or  its  opinion  that  we  depend  on 
for  happiness,  but  our  unaltered,  undying  affec- 
tion, which  time  nor  circumstances  can  alter. 

I  live  for  no  object,  my  dear  husband,  but  to 
promote  your  comfort  and  happiness,  and  am 
recompensed  to  know  it  is  mutual.  I  think  you 
might  have  compassion,  and  not  quite  kill  with 
fond  kindness. 

There  is  a  "  divinity  which  shapes  our  ends, 
rough  hew  them  as  we  will."  We  have  ex- 
changed hearts  my  dearest  for  each  other  to 
comprehend,  know  and  keep.  We  will  be  true 
and  faithful  unto  the  last.  If  sincerity's  per- 
fect oracle  avails  anything  we  yet  shall  be 
blessed  and  happy. 


A  True  Romance  173 

For  my  Great  good  and  perfect  wife  to  live 
much  longer  thus  separated  is  a  pang  too  pain- 
ful for  us  to  live  under  long.  The  yearnings  of 
this  heart  are  so  pure  and  strong  to  clasp  you 
to  my  heart  and  soul,  that  all  else  earthly  is  but 
dross  as  a  consideration  to  weigh  in  the  scale 
of  human  bliss  against. 

The  seven  ages  from  the  cradle  to  the  grave 
are  meted  out  to  mortality  by  a  wise  provi- 
dence, so  let  us  live  that  the  last  scene  may  be 
just  and  glorious,  and  our  epitaph  command  an 
inscription  which  friends,  offspring  and  after 
generations  can  dwell  upon  with  sweet  memo- 
ries and  conscious  pride.  Write  often  sisters 
Anne  and  Henrietta,  present  much  love  for  but 
few  in  this  selfish  world  knows  or  even  appre- 
ciates the  broad  charity  and  tender  affections 
of  this  heart. 

I  am  at  a  loss  to  know  what  to  comment 
upon  in  writing  you  other  than  the  old  theme. 
Our  Loves,  duty  and  cares,  though  year  after 
year  growing  deeper  and  stronger,  yet  has  its 
original  youth  and  freshness.  Trust  also  it 
may  never  lose  any  of  its  purity  and  sweetness 
while  life  lasts. 


174  A  True  Romance 

I  have  exhausted  general  news.  But  on  the 
only  Holy  and  undying  theme  of  Love,  pour- 
ing forth  for  you,  my  Great  wife,  I  never  can 
be  at  a  loss  to  pour  forth  with  pleasing  strain 
the  impulses  of  a  heart  deeply  gifted  with  an 
Ethereal  passion,  whose  all  and  every  throb- 
bing is  for  your  peace  of  mind,  respected 
position  in  this  world,  and  the  consoling  hope 
of  an  endless  hereafter  bliss  beyond  the  frail 
vicissitudes  of  this  uncertain  existence. 

Oh  my  own  fond  Nannie,  how  this  poor 
heart  yearns  to  be  with  you  to  unbosom  all  its 
joys  and  sorrows,  knowing  you  will  appreciate 
more  fully  than  all  the  world  beside,  open  up 
before  you  the  deepest  recesses  of  an  Idolatrous 
heart,  so  that  you  could  analyze  all  its  most 
delicate  throbbings,  giving  mutually  to  us  a 
consolation  the  cold  in  spirit  rarely  have. 

The  only  comfort  and  consolation  left  me, 
and  at  the  same  time  an  ever-pleasing  duty  in 
unsealing  my  heart  and  soul,  that  its  fountains 
of  Love  may  gush  forth  and  be  gathered  up  by 
you  my  Dearest  Wife,  the  only  creature  in  all 
this  world  who  can  properly  and  truly  apprc- 


A  True  Romance  175 

ciate  each  feeble  thought  and  word  which 
placed  on  paper  makes  thousands,  perhaps  mil- 
lions pause  and  reflect  as  to  their  motives  and 
bearings. 

A  heart  surcharged  with  hope  and  fear 
relative  to  success,  the  former  as  it  should 
be,  the  latter  as  one's  destiny  of  late  seems  to 
realize  the  fellow  feeling  which  makes  us  won- 
drous kind.  Poverty  makes  a  dog  gentle, 
whereas,  instead  of  being  a  Jackal  as  I  am, 
this  proud  lofty  nature  would  be  a  Lion  con- 
trolling the  will  and  acts  of  meaner  things,  ele- 
vating them  to  a  higher  and  more  perfect 
destiny.  But  through  a  stern  fate  I  am  forced 
to  stifle  the  faith,  hope  and  charity  to  the  world. 
But  always  to  you  for  the  imperative  duty 
always  better  becomes  the  heart  and  home  of 
those  whom  the  most  sacred  ties  of  blood 
render  paramount  to  every  act  of  circumstances 
in  life. 

Hour  after  hour,  day  after  day,  night  after 
night,  what  devout  oblations  has  this  fond 
heart  offered  up  to  Heaven's  chancery  for  you 
and  Eddy's  preservation,  and  my  fortune  and 


176  A  True  Romance 

nerve  to  overcome  the  vicissitudes  of  my  pres- 
ent desponding  position  of  all  the  trials  of  this 
adventure  may  the  Lord  give  me  grace  and  con- 
fidence to  overcome.  Do  not  my  dearest  little 
wife  permit  this  gloomy  note  to  disturb  your 
mind,  for  out  of  all  these  sad  forebodings,  but 
faith  and  hope  seems  to  lead  me.  Oh  God, 
could  I  at  this  hour  be  with  you  and  our  child, 
to  lay  down  at  the  sanctuary  of  those  two  pure 
and  undivided  hearts  all  the  throbbing  which 
now  burthens  this  soul,  then  would  I  be  free 
and  transcendently  happy.  Exiled,  however,  as 
I  am  from  all  those  sweet  communions  of  the 
domestic  hearth  which  providence  so  peculiarly 
adapted  me  to  enjoy  beyond  the  common  feel- 
ings of  indifferent  souls,  the  deprivations  seem 
doubly  poignant.  Tis  recorded  in  the  holy 
writings  that  God  chasteneth  those  whom  He 
loveth.  Surely  He  hath  a  watchful  eye  over 
our  fortunes.  Yours  of  the  i/th  so  wildly  wel- 
comed, is  at  hand,  and  contents  devoured  with 
Love's  holy  and  pure  appetite,  which  but  few 
such  as  I,  linked  with  those  holiest  ties  and 
duties  of  husband,  wife  and  child,  can  honestly 
appreciate,  which  from  the  fact  thousands  can- 
not realize,  although  better  fixed  in  a  pecuniary 


A  True  Romance  177 

point,  are  poor  indeed,  weighed  in  the  balance 
with  love  and  fidelity;  sweet  charms.  Perhaps 
Nannie  it  is  well  we  are  poor  in  this  world's 
goods,  in  order  that  we  may  be  richer  in  all 
those  other  ties  of  domestic  duties  which  make 
up  the  sum  total  of  this  world's  existence  and 
ends. 

I  trust  much  happiness,  and  some  prosperity 
may  attend  us  through  the  vicissitudes  of  life, 
for  vicissitudes  mingled  delights  and  sorrows 
is  inevitably  the  lot  of  the  happiest  and  most 
miserable  of  mortality.  But  the  sunshine  of 
Love  which  we  hold  for  each  other  can  illumine 
and  lighten  the  deepest  shade  and  domestic 
cares  heighten  the  hue  of  life's  brightest  hour. 
May  such  Love  and  such  bliss  be  eventually 
the  life-long  portion  of  our  existence. 

My  Dearest  beloved,  you  are  gone  and  I  am 
alone.  The  visit  was  so  brief  and  delightful, 
like  unto  a  pleasant  dream,  an  oasis  in  the 
desert  of  life,  which  gladdens  the  heart  and 
refreshes  the  parched  wearied  wanderer  o'er 
life's  trackless  waste,  yet  such  is  destiny,  and 
why  mourn.  Life  short,  Truth,  Virtue  and 


178  A  True  Romance 

Honesty,  a  gem  which  loves  the  deep,  which 
but  few  has  fathomed,  we  my  precious  Nannie, 
have  been  there,  can  trace  out  cause  from  effect. 

Your 

ANTHONY. 

MEMPHIS,  Jany,  1861. 

Well,  a  new  year  has  dawned  upon  us  with 
all  its  weal  and  woe,  what  may  yet  be  the  issue 
of  the  great  events  now  heaving  into  birth,  the 
God  of  Hosts  can  only  know.  May  the  omnipo- 
tent arm  of  a  righteous  providence  lull  to  sleep 
the  trials  and  dissensions  which  now  distract 
this  once  glorious  union.  The  proudest  and 
greatest  republic  the  world  has  ever  known. 
But  from  present  strife  and  contention  it  would 
seem  that  its  day  of  glory  is  almost  about  to 
depart,  and  fall  in  the  tomb  of  ruin  and  dis- 
grace and  lie  side  "by  side  with  Greece  and 
Rome,  all  in  their  day  the  Mistress  of  the  world. 
It  certainly  cannot  be  that  the  age  of  great  and 
good  patriots  has  gone  by,  and  none  left  to  man 
the  old  ship  of  state  to  a  safe  and  prosperous 
harbor. 

So  you,  my  dearest,  are  in  good  health, 
and  also  the  children,  and  our  little  Hunter  is 


A  True  Romance  179 

now  convalescent.  Thank  God  that  He  has 
spared  him  to  us,  it  is  to  be  hoped  for  many 
years,  to  be  a  comfort  and  a  blessing.  But 
suppose  he  had  have  been  lost  to  us,  the  sad 
calamity  would  have  thus  been  related. 

But  a  few  days  since  we  had  in  our  humble 
home,  a  sweet  little  boy  about  one  year  old,  of 
course  the  object  of  every  tender  affection  and 
solicitude,  but  sickness  came  and  laid  its  hand 
upon  him.  Remedies  promptly  applied  with 
the  ablest  medical  skill  all  proved  in  vain. 
Day  after  day  the  rose  faded  on  the  cheek,  and 
the  fire  in  the  bright  eye  burned  low,  and  at 
length  envious  death  closed  those  eyes  and 
sealed  those  lips  forever,  and  we  learned  for 
the  first  time  by  trying  experience,  how  intense 
darkness  follows  the  quenching  of  one  of  those 
little  bright  lights  of  life.  This  is  but  a  meta- 
phor. I  devoutly  pray  we  may  never  be  called 
upon  to  write  thus  as  a  reality.* 

You,  my  dear,  seem  to  deplore  my  ab- 
sence, perhaps  not  more  so  than  I  the 
separation.  In  treating  upon  this  subject  I 
accidentally  fell  upon  a  little  gem  in  the  way  of 


*  It  is    true   their  children   outlived   them   and   they 
never  had  to  mourn  the  death  of  a  child. 


180  A  True  Romance 

poetry,  more  sweetly  portraying  the  feelings  of 
a  devoted  and  affectionate  wife  than  anything 
I  could  portray,  so  I  enclose  it  for  our  mutual 
benefit. 

THE  FEMALE  HEART. 

There  is  nothing  under  Heaven  so  delicious 
as  the  possession  of  pure  fresh  immutable  affec- 
tions. The  most  felicitous  moment  of  man's 
life,  the  most  ecstatic  of  all  his  emotions  and 
sympathies  is  that  in  which  he  receives  an 
avowal  of  affection  from  the  idol  of  his  heart. 
The  springs  of  feeling,  when  in  their  j^outhful 
purity  are  fountains  of  unsealed  and  gushing 
tenderness.  The  spell  that  once  draws  them 
forth  in  the  mystic  light  of  future  years  and 
undying  memory.  Nothing  in  life  so  pure  and 
devoted  as  a  woman's  love.  It  matters  not 
whether  it  be  for  a  husband,  or  child,  or  sister, 
or  brother,  it  is  the  same  unquenchable  flame, 
the  same  constant  and  immaculate  glow  of  feel- 
ing, whose  undeniable  touchstone  is  trial.  Do 
but  give  her  one  token  of  love,  one  kind  word, 
or  one  gentle  look,  even  if  it  be  amid  desolation 
and  death,  the  feelings  of  that  faithful  heart 
will  gush  forth  as  a  torrent  in  spite  of  earthly 


A  True  Romance  1 8 1 

bond  or  mercenary  tie.  More  priceless  than 
the  Gems  of  Golconda  is  the  female  heart ;  and 
more  devoted  than  the  idolatry  of  Mecca  is 
woman's  love.  There  is  no  sordid  view  quali- 
fying self-interest  in  the  feeling.  It  is  a  prin- 
ciple and  characteristic  of  her  nature,  a  faculty 
and  infatuation  which  absorbs  and  concentrates 
all  the  fervor  of  her  soul,  and  all  the  depths 
of  her  bosom,  we  would  rather  be  the  idol  of 
one  unsullied,  and  one  unpracticed  heart  than 
the  monarch  of  empires,  we  would  rather 
possess  the  immaculate  and  impassioned  devo- 
tion of  one  high-souled  and  enthusiastic  female 
than  the  sycophantic  fawnings  of  millions. 


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